What type of transport requires no energy to move substances across a membrane?

What type of transport requires no energy to move substances across a membrane?

• A. Active Transport
• B. Facilitated Transport
• C. Passive Transport
• D. Endocytosis

Answer: (C)

Transport that requires no energy to move substances across a membrane is classified as passive transport. This process relies on the natural tendency of particles to move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, resulting in equilibrium. Simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion are key examples within this category, where substances like gases or small molecules can pass through the lipid bilayer or through specific protein channels without the expenditure of ATP. This mechanism is vital for cellular functions, allowing for the exchange of vital nutrients and waste products effortlessly. In contrast, active transport involves the use of energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, which is not the case in passive transport. Endocytosis requires energy as well, as it involves the engulfing of substances by the cell membrane to bring them into the cell. Thus, the principal hallmark of passive transport is its energy-free nature, making it fundamental in biological systems for maintaining homeostasis.

Transport that requires no energy to move substances across a membrane is classified as passive transport. This process relies on the natural tendency of particles to move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, resulting in equilibrium. Simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion are key examples within this category, where substances like gases or small molecules can pass through the lipid bilayer or through specific protein channels without the expenditure of ATP. This mechanism is vital for cellular functions, allowing for the exchange of vital nutrients and waste products effortlessly.

In contrast, active transport involves the use of energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, which is not the case in passive transport. Endocytosis requires energy as well, as it involves the engulfing of substances by the cell membrane to bring them into the cell. Thus, the principal hallmark of passive transport is its energy-free nature, making it fundamental in biological systems for maintaining homeostasis.