What is "active transport"

n. transport of a substance (as a protein or drug) across a cell membrane against the concentration gradient; requires an expenditure of energy

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of their lower concentration to a region of their higher concentration in the direction against some gradient or other obstructing factor (often a concentration gradient). Unlike passive transport, which uses the kinetic energy and natural entropy of molecules moving down a gradient, active transport uses cellular energy to move them against a gradient, polar repulsion, or other resistance. Active transport is usually associated with accumulating high concentrations of molecules that the cell needs, such as ions, glucose and amino acids. If the process uses chemical energy, such as from adenosine triphosphate (ATP), it is termed primary active transport. Secondary active transport involves the use of an electrochemical gradient. Examples of active transport include the uptake of glucose in the intestines in humans and the uptake of mineral ions into root hair cells of plants.