What distinguishes primary active transport from secondary active transport (cotransport)?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Primary active transport uses ATP directly; secondary uses an ion gradient
Primary active transport directly uses ATP hydrolysis to move solutes against their gradient. Secondary active transport (cotransport) harnesses the energy stored in an ion gradient (established by primary active transport) to move another solute against its gradient.
Keep practicing
More Membrane Transport Mechanisms questions
- Which of the following best defines osmotic flow across a biological membrane?
- Which statement best explains why charged ions such as Na⁺ or K⁺ cannot cross the plasma membrane by simple diffusion under normal conditio…
- Which transport process would be used by a renal tubular cell to reabsorb glucose from the filtrate into the bloodstream against its concen…
- Which of the following mechanisms requires ATP directly for transport of ions across the plasma membrane?
- What does the term “carrier-mediated transport” typically refer to in cell physiology?
- Which of the following best describes saturation kinetics in the context of facilitated diffusion or carrier-mediated transport?