Passive transport

Definition

Passive transport is a cellular process that allows the movement of substances across the cell membrane without the use of energy by the cell. It relies on the concentration gradient, moving substances from an area of high concentration to one of low concentration.

Related terms

Diffusion:

The process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration until they are evenly distributed.

Osmosis:

A specific type of passive transport that involves the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from a region of low solute concentration to one of high solute concentration.

Concentration Gradient:

The gradual difference in the concentration of solutes in a solution between two regions