What is the difference between passive and active transport?

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Accepted Answer

The following table outlines the major differences between passive and active transport:

Passive Transport
Active Transport

Molecules move through the cell membrane along the concentration gradient from a region of high concentration to low concentration
Molecules move through the cell membrane against the concentration gradient from a region of low concentration to high concentration.

Does not require cellular energy.
Requires cellular energy in the form of ATP.

Utilizes carrier proteins.
Does not utilize any carrier proteins.

Movement of molecules is bidirectional.
Movement of molecules is unidirectional.

Maintains homeostasis between the cytosol and extracellular environment.
Instrumental in the transport (removal and entrance) of large molecules and insoluble molecules.

Transports water soluble molecules such as small monosaccharides, lipids, carbon dioxide, oxygen, sex hormones and water
Transports ions, large proteins, complex sugars and cells.

Types of passive transport include diffusion, facilitated diffusion and osmosis
Types of active transport include sodium/potassium pumps, endocytosis and exocytosis.

Passive Transport	Active Transport
Molecules move through the cell membrane along the concentration gradient from a region of high concentration to low concentration	Molecules move through the cell membrane against the concentration gradient from a region of low concentration to high concentration.
Does not require cellular energy.	Requires cellular energy in the form of ATP.
Utilizes carrier proteins.	Does not utilize any carrier proteins.
Movement of molecules is bidirectional.	Movement of molecules is unidirectional.
Maintains homeostasis between the cytosol and extracellular environment.	Instrumental in the transport (removal and entrance) of large molecules and insoluble molecules.
Transports water soluble molecules such as small monosaccharides, lipids, carbon dioxide, oxygen, sex hormones and water	Transports ions, large proteins, complex sugars and cells.
Types of passive transport include diffusion, facilitated diffusion and osmosis	Types of active transport include sodium/potassium pumps, endocytosis and exocytosis.

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