PASSIVE

TRANSPORT
CREATED BY ROLL NO’S 29, 30, 31, 32,
33

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TOPIC- PASSIVE TRANSPORT

► SUB TOPICS-
► 1. INTRODUCTION TO PASSIVE TRANSPORT.
► 2. CHARACTERISTICS OF PASSIVE TRANSPORT.
► 3. DIFFUSION.
► 4. FACILITATED DIFFUSION.
► 5. OSMOSIS.
► 6. SUMMARY.
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INTRODUCTION TO PASSIVE
TRANSPORT
► Definition:
Passive transport is the spontaneous movement
of molecules or ions across a biological membrane
without the use of cellular energy (ATP). It
depends solely on the kinetic energy of the
molecules and occurs down their concentration
or electrochemical gradients.
► Biological membranes are selectively permeable
lipid bilayers, allowing certain molecules
(especially non-polar and small uncharged polar
molecules) to move freely, while others require
membrane transport proteins.
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► Types of Passive Transport:

► Simple Diffusion:
Direct movement of small, non-polar molecules (e.g., O₂, CO₂) across
the lipid bilayer.

► Facilitated Diffusion:
Transport of larger or polar molecules (e.g., glucose, ions) through
specific carrier proteins or channels without energy expenditure.

► Osmosis:
The diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable
membrane in response to solute concentration differences.

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► Biological Significance:
► Maintains electrolyte balance and osmotic pressure.
► Essential for nutrient absorption, gas exchange, and
cellular communication.
► Ensures dynamic equilibrium of solutes across cell
compartments
► Maintains Cellular Homeostasis
Passive transport helps regulate intracellular
concentrations of ions and molecules like Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻,
O₂, CO₂, and water, keeping internal conditions stable
without energy expenditure.

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► Facilitates Essential Exchange

► Gas exchange: O₂ diffuses into cells; CO₂ diffuses out via simple
diffusion—crucial for respiration.
► Water balance: Osmosis maintains hydration and turgor in cells,
especially important in kidneys and plant cells.
► Nutrient absorption: Glucose and amino acids move via
facilitated diffusion into cells after digestion.
► Supports Electrochemical Gradients
Allows ions to move passively, helping maintain membrane
potential necessary for nerve impulse transmission and
muscle contraction.

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 CELL
MEMBRANE

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Basics
► Overview of the Cell Membrane
► Thin, flexible barrier surrounding all cells
► Separates internal contents from the external
environment
► Composed mainly of phospholipids, proteins, and
carbohydrates

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Structure

► Structure – The Fluid Mosaic Model

► Phospholipid bilayer: Hydrophilic heads and
hydrophobic tails
► Proteins: Integral (span membrane) and peripheral
(surface)
► Cholesterol: Adds fluidity and stability
► Carbohydrates: Cell recognition and signaling

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10
Functions

► Functions of the Cell Membrane

► Selective permeability: Controls what enters and
leaves the cell
► Communication: Receptor proteins receive signals
► Structural support: Anchors cytoskeleton and
extracellular matrix
► Cell recognition: Glycoproteins and glycolipids

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Transport
► Transport Across the Membrane
► Passive Transport: Diffusion, facilitated diffusion,
osmosis
► Active Transport: Requires ATP (e.g., Na⁺/K⁺
pump)
► Endocytosis & Exocytosis: Bulk transport of
materials

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CHARACTERISTICS
OF PASSIVE
TRANSPORT

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1. NO ENERGY REQUIREMENT

► Passive transport does not use ATP or any cellular

energy.
► Movement is driven by natural kinetic energy of
molecules

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2.MOVEMENT ALONG
CONCENTRATION GRADIENT
► Substances move from high to low concentration.
► This is also referred to as “down the gradient”

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3.OCCUR THROUGH THE CELL
MEMBRANE
► Involves transport across phospholipid bilayer.
► Can happen directly through the lipid layer or via
membrane proteins (if needed)

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4.SELECTIVE PERMEABILITY

► The cell membrane is selectively permeable,

allowing only certain molecules to pass passively.
► Typically small nonpolar or uncharged molecules
(eg. O2,CO2)

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5.NO SATURATION POINT(IN SIMPLE
DIFFUSION)
► Unlike active transport or facilitated processes,
simple diffusion doesn’t saturate- the more
molecules, the faster the rate (up to equilibrium).

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6.DOES NOT INVOLVE PROTEIN
PUMPS.
► Passive transport doesn’t use pumps or active
carriers.
► It may involve channel/carrier proteins in facilitated,
but no energy is used.

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7. EQUILIBRIUM

► Molecules continue to move until

a dynamic equilibrium is reached.
► Equal concentration on both
sides of membrane.

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8.SPEED DEPENDS ON.

► 1. Temperature
► 2. Molecule size
► 3. Membrane thickness
► 4. Gradient steepness

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10.DIRECTION CONTROL

► The cell doesn’t control the

direction- movement
depends entirely on the
existing concentration
gradient.

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Conclusion

► Passive transport is vital for life, efficient,

automatic, and energy saving.
► Helps cells maintain homeostasis, absorb
nutrients, and eliminate waste.
► Understanding passive transport helps
explain many biochemical and physiological
processes.

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DIFFUSION

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Characteristics
► it is the net movement of solute molecules
from an area of higher concentration to an
area of lower concentration through the
membrane.

► It doesn’t require carrier/membrane proteins.

► It is a non selective process as any molecule able to
dissolve in the phospholipid bilayer is able to cross
the membrane.
► A molecule dissolves in the phospholipid bilayer
diffuses across it and then dissolves in the aqueous26
solution at the other side of membrane.
 Factors affecting diffusion
1. Concentration gradient
• The concentration gradient across a biological membrane is the
driving force for the diffusion of a nonelectrolyte.
• Therefore, the higher the concentration difference across the
membrane, the higher will be the rate of diffusion.
• As the distribution of molecules across the membrane moves towards
uniformity, the rate of diffusion decreases.
• Once equilibrium is maintained across the membrane, the process of
diffusion ceases.

2. Mass/Size of the solute molecules

• The size of the molecules also affects the rate of diffusion across a
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biological membrane.
• If the size of the molecules is large, it will be more difficult for it to
move across the membrane, which, in turn, slows the rate of diffusion
of the molecule.
• Thus, the rate of diffusion is higher for smaller molecules and slower
for larger molecules.

3. Temperature
• With the increase in temperature, the energy of the molecules also
increases.
• Molecules with higher energy can move faster across the membrane
while particles with lower energy move slower.

4. Solubility
• Molecules which are lipid-soluble can move quickly across the28
plasma membrane.
5. Solvent density
• With the increase in solvent density, the rate of diffusion decreases.
• More dense a solvent, more difficult it will be for the solute to move
around.
• An increase in the density of the cytoplasm slows down the movement
of the molecules and gases, and the reverse is true for less dense
cytoplasm.

6. Surface area and thickness of the biological membrane

• The rate of diffusion increase with the increase in the surface area of
the membrane.
• The increase in surface area increases the permeability or mobility of
the molecules.
• Similarly, the rate of diffusion is also reduced by the increasing
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thickness of the membrane
 Applications of diffusion
► Exchange of O₂ and CO₂ In lung alveoli and in tissues occurs
through diffusion.

► Certain nutrients like xylulose, minerals , lipid soluble vitamins are

absorbed by diffusion in the gastrointestinal tract.

► Concentration of urine in Loop of Henle and passage of waste

products like ammonia in renal tubules occurs due to diffusion.

► Steroid hormones enter the target cells through simple diffusion.

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Facilitated Diffusion

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Overview

► Used for molecules that are too large or polar to pass through the
lipid bilateral directly.
Molecules Transported;
Polar molecules: Glucose (via GLUT transporters)
Fructose (daily via GLUT 5)
Amino Acids: via specific amino acid carriers
Ions: Na⁺ , K⁺, Cl,Ca²⁺
Water; via aquaporins

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Key Features
► Energy requirement; None
► Direction; Down the concentration gradient
► Proteins Involved; Channel proteins and carrier proteins
► Specificity; Highly specific
► Saturation; Rate declines when all proteins are in use
► Reversibility; movement reverses if gradient reverses.

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Channel and Carrier Proteins.

Channel Proteins

Form pores in the membrane.

Allow specific ions/molecules to flow through.
Fast transport, but limited to small substances.

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Carrier proteins

Bind to specific molecules.

Undergo a shape change to move substances across.
Slower than channels, but more selective.
Example: Glucose transporter (GLUT).

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Facilitated Diffusion: The Ping-Pong
Mechanism
► Carrier Protein Conformations
► Substrate Binding
► Conformational Change
► Substrate Release
► Resetting the Carrier

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Carrier Protein Conformations

► Pong State: The binding site is exposed to the side of the membrane
with a higher concentration of the substrate.
Ping State: After substrate binding, the protein undergoes a
conformational change, exposing the binding site to the opposite side
of the membrane with a lower substrate concentration.

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► Substrate Binding; In pong state, substrate binds to the specific site
on the carrier protein
► Conformational Change; Binding induces structural rearrangement in
the protein, transitioning it to the ping state.
► Substrate Release; The substrate is released into the area of lower
concentration.
► Resetting the carrier; The empty carrier protein reverts it to pong
state, ready to bind to another substrate molecule.
Note; This cycle is entirely reversible and operates without direct
energy input relying solely on the concentration gradient of the
substrate.

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CYSTIC FIBROSIS

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Introduction

► Definition: CF is a genetic disorder affecting the

respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems.
► Cause: Mutations in the CFTR gene leading to
dysfunctional chloride ion transport.
► Prevalence: Most common in individuals of
Northern European descent.

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CFTR Protein and Passive Transport

► CFTR Protein and Passive Transport

► CFTR Function: Acts as a chloride channel in
epithelial cells.
► Mechanism: Facilitates passive transport of Cl⁻
ions out of cells, maintaining fluid balance.
► Regulation: CFTR activity is regulated by cyclic
AMP (cAMP) levels.

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Pathophysiology of CF

► Defective CFTR: Leads to impaired chloride ion

transport.
► Consequences:
► Thick, sticky mucus in lungs and pancreas.
► Obstruction of airways and ducts.
► Increased susceptibility to infections.

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► Clinical Manifestations
► Respiratory System: Chronic cough, recurrent
infections, bronchiectasis.
► Digestive System: Pancreatic insufficiency,
malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies.
► Reproductive System: Infertility in males due to
vas deferens blockage.

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Diagnosis

► Diagnostic Approaches
► Sweat Test: Measures elevated chloride levels in
sweat.
► Genetic Testing: Identifies mutations in the CFTR
gene.
► Pulmonary Function Tests: Assess lung function
and capacity.

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► Summary: CF illustrates the critical role of passive
transport in maintaining physiological homeostasis.
► Implications: Understanding CFTR function aids in
developing targeted therapies.
► Future Directions: Gene therapy and CFTR
modulators offer promising treatment avenues.

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OSMOSIS

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Introduction to Osmosis

► Definition:
Osmosis is the passive movement of solvent
molecules, predominantly water, across a semi-
permeable membrane from a region of lower
solute concentration to a region of higher
solute concentration, until equilibrium is attained.
► Key Features:
► No ATP requirement
► Selective permeability is essential
► Maintains cellular hydration and homeostasis

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 Mechanism of Osmosis
► Driving Force:
► Governed by the osmotic gradient
► Influenced by solute concentration, membrane
permeability, and temperature
► Types of Osmotic Solutions:
► Hypotonic: Low solute, water moves in
► Isotonic: Equal solute, no net movement
► Hypertonic: High solute, water moves out

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Osmotic Pressure

► Definition:
The pressure required to prevent the osmotic
movement of water across the membrane.
► Significance:
► Directly proportional to solute concentration
► Determines water potential and cell volume
regulation
► Described by van’t Hoff’s Law:
π = iCRT

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Biological Importance of Osmosis

► Cell Volume Maintenance: Prevents lysis or

crenation
► Capillary Exchange: Regulates movement of
fluids between blood and tissues
► Kidney Function: Reabsorption and
concentration of urine
► Gastrointestinal Absorption: Facilitates
water movement in intestines

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Clinical Applications

► Intravenous Fluid Therapy:

► Isotonic (e.g., Normal Saline) for volume expansion
► Hypertonic (e.g., 3% NaCl) to reduce cerebral
edema
► Hypotonic (e.g., 0.45% NaCl) to treat dehydration
► Dialysis: Uses osmotic principles to remove
excess water and solutes
► Osmotic Diuretics: e.g., Mannitol, reduces
intracranial and intraocular pressure

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Factors Affecting Osmosis

► Temperature:
Higher temperature increases kinetic energy → faster osmosis
► 2. Surface Area:
Larger membrane area allows more water to pass through
► 3. Thickness of Membrane:
Thinner membranes allow quicker osmotic movement
► 4. Concentration Gradient:
Greater solute differences = faster osmosis
► 5. Permeability of Membrane:
Presence of aquaporins (water channels) enhances osmotic flow
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Pathophysiological Relevance of
Osmosis
► 1. Edema:
► Caused by hypoalbuminemia or lymphatic obstruction →
disrupted osmotic balance
► 2. Dehydration & Overhydration:
► Alteration in osmotic gradients leads to cellular shrinkage or
swelling
► 3. Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH Secretion (SIADH):
► Excess water reabsorption → hyponatremia due to osmotic
imbalance
► 4. Cerebral Edema:
► Increases intracranial pressure due to osmotically driven
water influx
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Some Important points.

► Osmosis is vital for fluid balance, nutrient

absorption, and waste excretion
► Passive yet powerful: foundational for numerous
physiological and clinical processes
► Osmosis is essential for regulating cell volume,
preventing cells from bursting in hypotonic
environments or shrinking in hypertonic conditions.
► It underlies many clinical and physiological
processes, including intravenous fluid therapy, urine
concentration in kidneys, and fluid exchange in
capillaries.

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SUMMARY

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► Introduction & Characteristics of Passive Transport

► Passive Transport: Movement of substances across cell membranes

without energy (ATP).
► Occurs along a concentration or electrochemical gradient.
► Purpose: Maintains cellular homeostasis, enables nutrient uptake
and waste removal.
► Key Characteristics:
► No energy required (ATP-independent)
► Moves from high to low concentration
► Selective permeability of the membrane
► Involves specific proteins (facilitated diffusion)
► Reversible and depends on temperature

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► Simple & Facilitated Diffusion
► Simple Diffusion:
► Movement of small, non-polar molecules (e.g., O₂, CO₂)
► Passes directly through lipid bilayer
► Driven solely by concentration gradient
► Facilitated Diffusion:
► For larger or polar molecules (e.g., glucose, ions)
► Requires channel or carrier proteins (e.g., ion channels,
GLUT transporters)
► Still passive; shows specificity and saturation kinetics

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► Osmosis:
► Movement of water molecules across a membrane
► From low solute concentration to high solute
concentration
► Uses aquaporins (water channels)
► Maintains cell turgor, hydration, and fluid balance
► Biological Significance:
► Vital for gas exchange, nutrient absorption, and waste
removal
► Helps maintain electrolyte balance and membrane
potential
► Malfunctions linked to diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis,
diabetes)
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RECENT RESEARCH

► Passive Nanoparticle Transport in Plants

► What is it?
► Passive transport of nanoparticles (NPs) involves
their movement into and within plant tissues
without energy expenditure (no ATP usage).
► Driven by concentration gradients and
influenced by physical and chemical properties
of NPs and plant structures.

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► Entry Points:
► Roots: Uptake from soil or nutrient solution through cell
walls and intercellular spaces.
► Leaves: Uptake through stomata, cuticle, and cracks
on the leaf surface.
► Significance:
► Crucial for agricultural innovations like nano-fertilizers,
nano-pesticides, and plant biotechnology.
► Reference: Zhou et al., 2023. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 24(4), 4618.
PMC10146108

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► Applications and Future Outlook
► Applications:
► Nano-fertilizers: Controlled nutrient release and
improved absorption.
► Nano-pesticides: Targeted pest control with
reduced environmental load.
► Gene delivery: NPs can deliver DNA/RNA for plant
transformation.

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Reference
► Transport of Nanoparticles into Plants and Their Detection Methods
► by Anca Awal Sembada
► 1,2
andI. Wuled Lenggoro

► Department of Applied Physics and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of

Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
► School of Life Sciences and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung
40132, Indonesia
► Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
► Nanomaterials 2024, 14(2), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14020131
► Submission received: 30 November 2023 / Revised: 29 December
2023 / Accepted: 2 January 2024 / Published: 5 January 2024

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THANK YOU

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