active transport

American  

[ak-tiv trans-pawrt] / ˈæk tɪv ˈtræns pɔrt /

noun

1. 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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active transport British  

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

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active transport Scientific  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of active transport

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

In November, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd launched a consultation on the active travel delivery plan and committed to spend £200m over the next decade on active transport schemes in towns across Northern Ireland.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2025

The researchers think that the animals' use of internal energy, or active transport, when moving the salts could be the explanation.

From Science Daily • Oct. 6, 2023

Mr Azhar said a partnership approach, involving authorities and employers, was needed to promote healthy, affordable food, active transport and green spaces.

From BBC • May 25, 2023

What is happening is called active transport, a process in which a living membrane expends energy to move substances across it.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Each inactive tape transport requires two amperes and the one active transport requires 10 amperes.

From Preliminary Specifications: Programmed Data Processor Model Three (PDP-3) October, 1960 by Digital Equipment Corporation