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definitions

active transport

noun

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

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Nearby words

  1. active service,
  2. active shooter,
  3. active site,
  4. active splint,
  5. active sun,
  6. active vocabulary,
  7. active voice,
  8. actively,
  9. activewear,
  10. active‐matrix

Origin of active transport

First recorded in 1960–65
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for active transport

active transport

noun

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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for active transport

active transport

n.

The passage of ions or molecules across a cell membrane against an electrochemical or concentration gradient, or against the normal direction of diffusion.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for active transport

active transport

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.