Active transport

Active transport is like carrying a backpack full of books up a hill. Your body has to use energy to move the heavy backpack against the force of gravity. Similarly, in our body, active transport is when cells use energy to move molecules or ions against the concentration gradient, which is like moving the backpack uphill.

To make this happen, our cells have special proteins called transporters or pumps that use energy from the breakdown of ATP molecules to move substances across the cell membrane. These proteins act like little machines that grab onto molecules or ions and carry them across the membrane.

One example of active transport is the sodium-potassium pump found in our nerve cells. The pump moves sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, creating a concentration gradient. This gradient helps the nerve cell to send signals and function properly.

Active transport is essential for many processes in our body, like nutrient absorption in our intestines and the working of our kidneys to filter waste from our blood. It helps to maintain different levels of substances inside and outside of cells, keeping our body in balance and ensuring it operates properly.