# Describe how active transport moves ions into root hair cells from the soil.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 3.3 Active transport · Describe · 4 marks

> Plants absorb mineral ions such as nitrates from the soil through root hair cells. The concentration of these ions inside the root hair cell is already greater than the concentration in the surrounding soil.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Active transport moves ions against the concentration gradient (from low to high concentration)
2. Energy from respiration is required / used
3. Carrier proteins in the cell membrane are involved
4. The carrier protein changes shape to move the ion through the membrane and releases it on the other side

## Key terms

- [active transport](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/active-transport)

## Related

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-active-transport-moves-ions-453ee83f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.