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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

In the long term, active transport slowly maintains the concentration differences, but the cell may fire hundreds of times in rapid succession without seriously depleting them.

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