Is endocytosis considered an active or passive transport process?

• A. Osmosis
• B. Active transport
• C. Passive transport
• D. Facilitated diffusion

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of active and passive transport: Active transport requires energy (usually in the form of ATP) to move substances across the cell membrane, often against their concentration gradient. Passive transport does not require energy and moves substances along their concentration gradient.
2. Review the process of endocytosis: Endocytosis is a cellular process where the cell membrane engulfs external substances, forming a vesicle to bring them into the cell. This process involves significant membrane rearrangement and energy expenditure.
3. Determine if energy is required for endocytosis: Since endocytosis involves the active manipulation of the cell membrane and the formation of vesicles, it requires energy, typically in the form of ATP.
4. Compare endocytosis to other transport processes: Passive transport (e.g., osmosis and facilitated diffusion) does not require energy, while active transport processes like endocytosis do. This distinction helps classify endocytosis as an active transport process.
5. Conclude that endocytosis is an active transport process because it requires energy to move substances into the cell, unlike passive transport mechanisms such as osmosis or facilitated diffusion.