PASSIVE TRANSPORT Meaning and
Definition
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Passive transport is a biological process through which molecules or ions move across a cell membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, without the need for energy input from the cell. This movement occurs down the concentration gradient, which is the natural flow of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, aiming to achieve equilibrium.
Passive transport encompasses three main mechanisms: diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion. Diffusion is the random movement of molecules or ions, driven by their kinetic energy, that allows them to spread out evenly within a given space. Osmosis, on the other hand, specifically refers to the diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane to balance the concentration of solutes on either side. Facilitated diffusion involves the movement of larger or charged molecules across the cell membrane with the assistance of specific transport proteins.
These processes allow cells to efficiently maintain homeostasis by regulating the internal concentration of substances, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products. As passive transport does not require the input of cellular energy, it occurs spontaneously and is a vital mechanism in many physiological processes, ensuring the proper functioning and equilibrium of cells and organisms.
Common Misspellings for PASSIVE TRANSPORT
- oassive transport
- lassive transport
- -assive transport
- 0assive transport
- pzssive transport
- psssive transport
- pwssive transport
- pqssive transport
- paasive transport
- pazsive transport
- paxsive transport
- padsive transport
- paesive transport
- pawsive transport
- pasaive transport
- paszive transport
- pasxive transport
- pasdive transport
- paseive transport
Etymology of PASSIVE TRANSPORT
The word "passive" is derived from the Latin word "passivus", which means "capable of suffering" or "subject to external force or influence". In the context of biology and cellular transport, the term "passive" refers to the movement of substances across cell membranes without the need for energy expenditure by the cell.
The term "transport" comes from the Latin word "transportare", which means "to carry across". In the context of biology, it refers to the movement of molecules or ions across cellular membranes.
Therefore, "passive transport" describes the process by which substances move across cell membranes without requiring the cell to expend energy.
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