A real-life example of passive transport is the absorption of ethanol into the bloodstream.
Ethanol Absorption: A Case of Passive Transport
Passive transport is the movement of substances across cell membranes without the cell expending energy. This happens because substances move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, down the concentration gradient. One such example is the way our bodies process ethanol.
According to provided information, ethanol enters our bodies and hits the bloodstream through simple diffusion.
How it Works:
- Simple Diffusion: Ethanol molecules move across the cell membrane from an area of higher concentration (e.g., in the stomach or intestines after consuming alcohol) to an area of lower concentration (the bloodstream).
- No Energy Required: This movement doesn't require the cell to expend any energy (ATP) because it's driven by the concentration gradient. The ethanol molecules simply pass through the cell membrane.
Therefore, the absorption of ethanol into the bloodstream is a prime example of passive transport in a real-life scenario.
