Difference Between Passive and Active Absorption
The difference between passive and active absorption is given below:
Feature |
Passive Absorption |
Active Absorption |
Energy Requirement |
Does not require energy; occurs spontaneously |
Requires energy (ATP) for ion transport against concentration gradient |
Type of Transport |
Simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, mass flow |
Carrier-mediated transport using specific proteins |
Direction of Movement |
Along concentration gradient |
Against concentration gradient |
Regulation |
Not actively regulated; dependent on external factors |
Actively regulated by cellular processes and signals |
Selectivity |
Less selective; allows movement of ions based on concentration gradient |
Highly selective; specific carrier proteins allow uptake of particular ions |
Examples |
Movement of water and ions through cell membrane |
Uptake of scarce nutrients like potassium and iron |
Mechanism of Absorption of Elements
The mechanism of absorption of elements in plants involves the absorption of mineral elements from the soil and transporting them to different plant parts. This mechanism of absorption of elements or minerals by plants includes two phases: passive absorption and active absorption
The roots actively take up these minerals through specialized cells and translocate them to other plant parts. In this article, we will study the mechanism of absorption of elements in detail.
Table of Content
- Essential Elements and Mineral Absorption
- Mechanism of Absorption of Elements
- Passive Absorption of Elements
- Mass Flow Hypothesis
- Simple Diffusion Hypothesis
- Facilitated Diffusion
- Ion Exchange Hypothesis
- Contact Exchange Theory
- Carbonic Acid Exchange Theory
- Donnan Equilibrium
- Active Absorption
- Difference Between Passive and Active Absorption
- Factors Affecting Mechanism of Absorption of Elements