Active and passive transport are two primary biological processes essential for delivering nutrients, water, oxygen, and other vital molecules to cells, as well as for removing waste products.
Both active and passive transport serve the same purpose but operate differently.
Active transport requires chemical energy because it involves moving biochemicals from areas of lower concentration to areas of higher concentration.
In contrast, passive transport moves biochemicals from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration, thus not requiring energy.
Key differences (active transport vs passive transport)
S.N.
Character
Active Transport
Passive Transport
1.
Definition
The movement of molecules across the cell membrane, pumping the molecules against the concentration gradient using ATP (energy) is called Active transport.
The movement of molecules within and across the cell membrane and thus transporting it through the concentration gradient, without using ATP (energy) is called Passive transport.
2.
Energy requirement
Energy is required which is in the form of ATP.
No energy is required.
3.
Concentration Gradient
The movement of molecules is from low concentration to high concentration which means they move against the concentration gradient.
The movement of molecules is from high concentration to low concentration, which means they move along the concentration gradient.
4.
Direction of movement
With the use of ATP, it pumps the molecules upwards.
In this, the molecules are moved downwards.
5.
Carrier Protein or Pumps
Active transport requires carrier proteins.
In passive transport carrier proteins are not involved. However, in facilitated diffusion certain channels are present which utilize no energy.
6.
Involvement of matrix or permeases
Matrix or permeases of the membrane are not involved.
It takes place through matrix/channels/permeases.
7.
Efficiency of the Process
It is a rapid process.
It is comparatively a slow process.
8.
Principle of Working
Active transport allows molecules to pass the cell membrane, disrupting the equilibrium established by the diffusion.
A dynamic equilibrium of water, nutrients, gasses, and wastes is maintained by passive transport Between cytosol and extracellular environment.
9.
Directionality
Occurs in one direction.
Bidirectional process.
10.
Process type
Active transport is a vital process.
Passive Transport is a physical process.
11.
Selectivity
It is highly selective.
It is partly non-selective
12.
Effect of Temperature
Affected by temperature.
Not affected by temperature.
13.
Effect of Oxygen Level
This process reduces or stops as the level of oxygen content is reduced.
This process is not affected by the oxygen content.
14.
Effect of metabolic inhibitors
Metabolic inhibitors stop the active transport.
Metabolic inhibitors do not influence passive transport.
15.
Molecules Transported
Macromolecules like proteins, carbohydrate (sugars), lipids, large cell are few of the materials which are transported by this way.
Oxygen, monosaccharides, water, carbon dioxide, lipids are the few soluble materials which are being transported through this way.
16.
Types
Active transport is classified into two categories, like primary active transport and secondary active transport. Endocytosis, cell membrane/sodium-potassium pump & exocytosis
Passive transport is classified into four categories like osmosis, diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and filtration.
17.
Functions
Though the function of both types of transport is to carry ions and molecules, separately active transport is used to carry through the cell membrane.
It is used to maintain the equilibrium, within and outside the cell of nutrients, water and gases, etc.
18.
Examples
Examples of active transport include a sodium pump, glucose selection in the intestines, and the uptake of mineral ions by plant roots.
Passive transport occurs in the kidneys and the liver, and in the alveoli of the lungs when they exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Active and Passive Transport Comparison:
Definition:
Active Transport: ATP, energy, concentration gradient, cell membrane, pumping molecules.
Passive Transport: No energy, concentration gradient, cell membrane, molecule movement.
Energy Requirement:
Active Transport: ATP, energy required.
Passive Transport: No energy.
Concentration Gradient:
Active Transport: Low to high concentration, against gradient.
Passive Transport: High to low concentration, along gradient.
Direction of Movement:
Active Transport: Upwards, ATP usage.
Passive Transport: Downwards.
Carrier Protein or Pumps:
Active Transport: Carrier proteins.
Passive Transport: No carrier proteins, facilitated diffusion channels.
