active transport

[ak-tiv trans-pawrt]

noun

1. the movement of ions or molecules across a cellular membrane from a lower to a higher concentration, requiring the consumption of energy.

active transport

noun

1. biochem physiol a process by which molecules are enabled to pass across a membrane from a region in which they are in a low concentration to one of high concentration; this requires the expenditure of energy in metabolism and is assisted by carrier proteins, commonly referred to as pumps

active transport

1. The movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane in the direction opposite that of diffusion, that is, from an area of lower concentration to one of higher concentration. Active transport requires the assistance of a type of protein called a carrier protein, using energy supplied by ATP.

Word History and Origins

Origin of active transport¹

First recorded in 1960–65