Active Transport

Active transport moves substances from low to high concentrations (against a concentration gradient) using specific protein carriers and energy from ATP.

As ATP is used to pump the substances across the membrane, the rate of active transport is affected by respiration rate. Aerobic respiration uses oxygen. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the rate of respiration and active transport. Temperature can also affect respiration rate; increased temperatures can result in higher rates of active transport.

Cyanide is a respiratory inhibitor that binds to cytochrome in the electron transport chain, preventing ATP production. As a result, cyanide prevents active transport. Passive transport is unaffected by cyanide.