But not all active transport looks the same. Here are the 3 distinct types of active transport that keep your cells alive. This is the most straightforward type. Think of it as using a direct paycheck of energy to get the job done.
Primary active transport uses a protein pump embedded in the cell membrane. When a molecule of ATP binds to the pump, it breaks down (into ADP + phosphate), releasing energy. That energy changes the shape of the pump, forcing a molecule to be shoved across the membrane—regardless of which direction it wants to go. 3 types of active transport
In secondary transport, a molecule (like sodium) naturally wants to flow back into the cell (down its gradient). A co-transporter protein lets that sodium ion fall back in, but only if it brings a "passenger" molecule (like glucose) along for the ride—even if the glucose is moving against its own gradient. But not all active transport looks the same