Membrane transport refers to the movement of substances across biological membranes. This process is vital for cells to acquire nutrients, eliminate waste, and maintain homeostasis.
There are two primary mechanisms of membrane transport;
- passive
- active transport.
Passive transport occurs spontaneously, driven by a substance's concentration gradient, and includes diffusion (simple and facilitated) and osmosis.
Active transport requires energy, often in the form of ATP, to move substances against their concentration gradient. Both mechanisms play crucial roles in regulating the internal environment of cells by controlling the entry and exit of molecules across cellular membranes.