BRAINCAKEThe Need for Transport
Every living cell must exchange substances with its surroundings to stay alive. This is why cells need transport mechanisms.
Substances a cell must take in include:
• oxygen and glucose for aerobic respiration, which releases energy as ATP;
• amino acids, fatty acids and nucleotides to make proteins, membranes and nucleic acids;
• ions such as sodium, potassium and calcium, and water.
Substances a cell must get rid of or send out include:
• waste products such as carbon dioxide and urea, which must be removed before they build up to harmful levels;
• useful products made by the cell, such as enzymes, hormones and antibodies, which are released by secretion.
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More in Cell Transport Mechanisms
- Transport Across the Cell Membrane
- Passive and Active Transport
- Diffusion
- Facilitated Diffusion
- Water Potential ψ
- Osmosis
- Modelling Osmosis
- Osmotic Concentrations
All 18 lessons in Cell Transport Mechanisms · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics