Secondary Active Transport

Presented By: Emin Chaudhary

Definition:

The type of active transport that allows molecules or ions to move down their concentration
gradient, from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, without
using energy is called secondary active transport.

 It relies upon the electrochemical potential difference created by pumping of ions in and out of the cell.
 A carrier protein is used transport ions or molecules across the cell membrane.
 Both symporters and antiporters are used in the secondary active transport.
 It is also known as ion- coupled transport as there is no direct usage of ATP.
 Examples

1. Movement of glucose in the proximal convoluted tubule.

2. Storage of high-energy hydrogen ions in the mitochondria of plant

and animal cells for the production of ATP.
 Types

Co-Transport Counter Transport

 Co-Transport:
It is the type of transport in which two molecules are
transported simultaneously across the membrane.
• In this type of transport one molecule goes down the concentration
gradient while dragging other molecule against its concentration
gradient.
• Usually the second ion does not want to go against its concentration
gradient, but it can do so because of the coupling with first ion.
• It includes both symporters and antiporters.
• Both molecules are transported in the same direction.
Examples

1. Glucose-Sodium pump
2. Na+/phosphate Co-transport
 Counter Transport:
It is the type of transport in which two molecules are
transported in opposite directions across the membrane.
• In this type of transport both molecules go down the concentration
gradient but in the opposite direction.
• It includes antiporters.
Examples
1. Sodium-Calcium Counter Transport
2. Na+/H+ Counter Transport