ATP and Active Transport?

Question

How is ATP used in active transport, and why is active transport important? Can somebody help me out?

Answer 1

ATP powers active transport

Answer 2

ATP is the form of energy that mitochondria 'produce' (convert). It is used in active transport by carrier proteins in the cell membranes. It allows the carrier proteins to change shape and transport substances across concentration gradients. This is why active transport is so important. For example, in the root hairs of plants to allow uptake of minerals that would otherwise diffuse out of the cells due to the higher concentration inside the plant.

Answer 3

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is known as the molecular currency. ATP provides energy for cells to perform functions. One type of enzyme is ATP-ase which is used in active transport.

Active transport is vital in regulating concentrations in cells, that would otherwise be non-apparent due to ions/solutes diffusing down an electrochemical or concentration gradient. To go against a concentration gradient, proteins that provide this function require energy, and that energy is in the form of ATP. ATP is released during respiration, and without it, the human body would not survive.

The best example of active transport is the sodium potassium pump. Sodium ions are pumped out of the cell against a concentration gradient, whilst potassium ions are pumped in. 2 potassium, enter a cell for every 3 sodium ions pumped out. This means that there is a negative net charge of the cell at -70mV, as more sodium (positive charge) is accumulated on the ouside, compared to potassium (positive charge) on the inside. For nerve cells this is essential for action potentials to carry charge along an axon. You may already know a bit about this.