Active vs. Passive Transport: 18 Differences, Examples

Active and passive transport are the two main biological process which plays an important role in supplying nutrients, water, oxygen, and other essential molecules to cells and also by removing waste products.

Both active and passive transport works for the same cause, but with different movement.
Active transport requires chemical energy because it is the movement of biochemicals from areas of lower concentration to areas of higher concentration.
On the other hand, passive transport moves biochemicals from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration; so it does not require energy.

Difference between active transport and passive transport

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Table of Contents

Key differences (active transport vs passive transport)

S.N.	Character	Active Transport	Passive Transport
1.	Definition	The movement of molecules across the cell membrane, pumping the molecules against the concentration gradient using ATP (energy) is called Active transport.	The movement of molecules within and across the cell membrane and thus transporting it through the concentration gradient, without using ATP (energy) is called Passive transport.
2.	Energy requirement	Energy is required which is in the form of ATP.	No energy is required.
3.	Concentration Gradient	The movement of molecules is from low concentration to high concentration which means they move against the concentration gradient.	The movement of molecules is from high concentration to low concentration, which means they move along the concentration gradient.
4.	Direction of movement	With the use of ATP, it pumps the molecules upwards.	In this, the molecules are moved downwards.
5.	Carrier Protein or Pumps	Active transport requires carrier proteins.	In passive transport carrier proteins are not involved. However, in facilitated diffusion certain channels are present which utilize no energy.
6.	Involvement of matrix or permeases	Matrix or permeases of the membrane are not involved.	It takes place through matrix/channels/permeases.
7.	Efficiency of the Process	It is a rapid process.	It is comparatively a slow process.
8.	Principle of Working	Active transport allows molecules to pass the cell membrane, disrupting the equilibrium established by the diffusion.	A dynamic equilibrium of water, nutrients, gasses, and wastes is maintained by passive transport Between cytosol and extracellular environment.
9.	Directionality	Occurs in one direction.	Bidirectional process.
10.	Process type	Active transport is a vital process.	Passive Transport is a physical process.
11.	Selectivity	It is highly selective.	It is partly non-selective
12.	Effect of Temperature	Affected by temperature.	Not affected by temperature.
13.	Effect of Oxygen Level	This process reduces or stops as the level of oxygen content is reduced.	This process is not affected by the oxygen content.
14.	Effect of metabolic inhibitors	Metabolic inhibitors stop the active transport.	Metabolic inhibitors do not influence passive transport.
15.	Molecules Transported	Macromolecules like proteins, carbohydrate (sugars), lipids, large cell are few of the materials which are transported by this way.	Oxygen, monosaccharides, water, carbon dioxide, lipids are the few soluble materials which are being transported through this way.
16.	Types	Active transport is classified into two categories, like primary active transport and secondary active transport. Endocytosis, cell membrane/sodium-potassium pump & exocytosis	Passive transport is classified into four categories like osmosis, diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and filtration.
17.	Functions	Though the function of both types of transport is to carry ions and molecules, separately active transport is used to carry through the cell membrane.	It is used to maintain the equilibrium, within and outside the cell of nutrients, water and gases, etc.
18.	Examples	Examples of active transport include a sodium pump, glucose selection in the intestines, and the uptake of mineral ions by plant roots.	Passive transport occurs in the kidneys and the liver, and in the alveoli of the lungs when they exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Active vs. Passive Transport: 18 Differences, Examples

Key differences (active transport vs passive transport)

References

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