Active Transport in Plants

Introduction

• Active Transport: Movement of molecules against their concentration gradient (low to high concentration).
• Contrast with Diffusion: Movement from high to low concentration, a passive process not requiring energy.

Key Characteristics of Active Transport

• Energy Requirement: Requires energy from the cell, unlike diffusion.
• Direction: Moves substances against their concentration gradient.
• Membrane Involvement: Occurs across a cell membrane.
• Protein Requirement: Requires special proteins in the membrane for molecule transfer.

Energy Source

• Cellular Respiration: Provides energy for active transport.
  • Occurs mainly in the mitochondria.
  • Breaks down glucose to release energy.
  • Energy stored in ATP molecules.

Example: Root Hair Cells in Plants

• Function: Absorb water and mineral ions from the soil.
• Adaptations:
  • Large Surface Area: Hair-like protrusions increase absorption efficiency.
  • High Mitochondria Count: To support high energy requirement for active transport.

Mineral Absorption

• Minerals Needed: Magnesium ions for chlorophyll, nitrates for proteins.
• Concentration Gradient Challenge: Minerals more concentrated inside the cells than in the soil.
• Solution: Use of energy to absorb minerals via active transport.

Conclusion

• Root hair cells utilize active transport to absorb essential mineral ions, adapted by having a large surface area and abundant mitochondria.

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