Active Transport in Root Hair Cells of Plants

Introduction to Active Transport

• Active transport is the movement of molecules against their concentration gradient (from lower to higher concentration).
• Unlike diffusion, which is passive (no energy needed), active transport requires energy, similar to moving water uphill.

Comparison with Diffusion

• Diffusion:
  • Movement down the concentration gradient (high to low concentration).
  • Passive process (no energy required).
• Active Transport:
  • Movement against the concentration gradient (low to high concentration).
  • Active process (requires energy).
  • Occurs across a membrane and involves special proteins for molecule transfer.

Energy Source for Active Transport

• Energy for active transport comes from cellular respiration.
• Cellular respiration primarily occurs in mitochondria, breaking down glucose to release energy.
• Energy is stored in molecules called ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which act as energy carriers.

Definition of Active Transport

• Movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a lower to a higher concentration.
• Requires energy from cellular respiration.

Example: Active Transport in Plant Root Hair Cells

• Plants absorb water and mineral ions from the soil for survival.
• Root hair cells are specialized cells that absorb these nutrients.
• Adaptations of Root Hair Cells:
  • Long hair-like protrusions to increase surface area for absorption.
  • High concentration of mitochondria to provide energy for active transport.

Process in Root Hair Cells

• Essential minerals like magnesium and nitrates are at higher concentrations inside the cell than in the soil.
• Active transport is used to absorb these minerals against their concentration gradient.
• Energy for this process is provided by cellular respiration occurring in mitochondria.

Key Takeaways

• Root hair cells utilize active transport to absorb mineral ions.
• They are adapted with a large surface area and abundant mitochondria to aid in this process.

Additional Information

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• Resources are free and organized with links to further learning materials.