Skip to content
    Biology A-Level

    active transport

    What active transport means in Biology A-Level, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.

    Definitions of active transport

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain active transport in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    The process by which pyruvate crosses the inner mitochondrial membrane through a specific carrier protein, requiring energy.
    AQA · Respiration (A-level only) (study guide)
    Movement of substances against a concentration gradient, requiring carrier proteins and the hydrolysis of ATP.
    AQA · Transport across cell membranes (study guide)
    A process in which carrier proteins hydrolyse ATP to change shape and move ions against their gradient.
    AQA · ATP (study guide)
    The movement of substances against a concentration gradient (from low to high concentration) using energy (ATP) and carrier proteins.
    Pearson Edexcel · Topic 2: Genes and Health (study guide)
    The movement of substances against a concentration gradient, requiring energy in the form of ATP and the use of carrier proteins.
    Pearson Edexcel · Topic 1: Lifestyle, Health and Risk (study guide)

    Topics that use active transport

    Related terms

    Using active transport in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Biology questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Biology A-Level terms