# Explain why active transport is needed to absorb mineral ions into plant root hair cells from the soil.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.1.3 Transport in cells · Explain · 4 marks

> The concentration of mineral ions in the soil water is often lower than the concentration of mineral ions inside root hair cells.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Mineral ions need to move from a more dilute solution (soil water) to a more concentrated solution (inside the root hair cell)
2. Diffusion / osmosis cannot move substances against a concentration gradient
3. Active transport moves substances against the concentration gradient
4. Active transport requires energy from respiration

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-active-transport-is-needed-a67b5f7b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.