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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 14 marks · about 16 minutes

Active Transport Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions focus on active transport: how cells move substances against a concentration gradient using energy from respiration.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Define active transport and state how it differs from diffusion.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Active transport is the movement of molecules or ions against a concentration gradient.
    2. From a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration.
    3. It requires energy from respiration; diffusion does not require energy.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Root hair cells absorb mineral ions by active transport. Explain why active transport is necessary rather than diffusion.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Mineral ions are already at a higher concentration inside the root hair cell.
    2. So ions must move against the concentration gradient.
    3. This requires energy from respiration: diffusion would move ions in the wrong direction.

    Watch for: Confusing water absorption (osmosis) with mineral absorption (active transport).

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 2 marks Difficulty 2/5

    State the source of energy for active transport and name the organelle that provides it.

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    1. Energy comes from respiration.
    2. Mitochondria carry out respiration / release energy.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    A student poisons a root with cyanide (which stops respiration). Predict and explain the effect on mineral ion absorption.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Mineral ion absorption would stop / decrease significantly.
    2. Cyanide stops respiration so no ATP / energy is produced.
    3. Active transport requires energy: without it, ions cannot be moved against the gradient.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Give two examples of active transport in the human body.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Absorption of glucose in the small intestine (villi) against the concentration gradient.
    2. Reabsorption of glucose in the kidney tubules (nephron).
    3. Uptake of ions in the gut after a meal.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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