Question

Is osmosis an example of active transport?

Answer 1

Active transport:

1. Active transport is defined as a process that involves the movement of molecules from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration against a gradient with the use of external energy.
2. During the process of active transport, a protein pump makes use of stored energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), to move molecules.

Osmosis:

1. Osmosis is the process of passive diffusion.
2. In this process, water moves from high concentration to low concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.
3. In osmosis, there is no requirement for energy, i.e. ATP (Adenosine triphosphate).
4. Hence, it cannot comes under active transport.
5. Active transport is the process in which solute moves from low concentration to high concentration with the help of energy,i.e. ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) or any carrier.
6. It is also known as uphill transport.