Question

What is an example of active transport in the human body?

Answer 1

Active transport:

1. The process of transporting ions, and molecules from a region of lower concentration to a region of high concentration with the utilization of energy in the form of ATP.
2. This process actively takes place in both plants and animals.

Example of Active transport in the human body: Sodium potassium pump:

1. The sodium-potassium pump is an example of active transport that transports Na ions out of the cell and K⁺ ions into the cells
2. Inside the cell, the concentration of K⁺ ions is higher than outside the cell, and the concentration of sodium ions is higher outside the cell.
3. The potassium ions and sodium ions are transported against the concentration gradient by the carrier molecules.
4. The carrier molecules by using cellular energy (ATP), transport 3 Na⁺ ions from the cytoplasm to the extracellular surface, and 2K⁺ ions are transported against the concentration into the cytoplasm of the cell from outside the cell.

Importance of sodium and potassium pump:

1. Both sodium and potassium are minerals obtained from the diet.
2. The body uses these minerals as electrolytes which play an important in generating electrical potential during muscle contraction and nerve impulse.