passive transport

[ˈpæsɪv ˈtrænspɔrt]
nounpl: passive transports
transporte passivo
1. The movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of cellular energy (ATP), relying on concentration gradients or osmotic pressure
Glucose enters the cell through passive transport via facilitated diffusion channels.
A glicose entra na célula através do transporte passivo via canais de difusão facilitada.
2. In general biology, the transfer of molecules or ions across a biological membrane driven by concentration differences rather than metabolic energy
Water molecules move across the cell membrane by passive transport during osmosis.
As moléculas de água se movem através da membrana celular por transporte passivo durante a osmose.
This is a fundamental concept in biology education taught worldwide, including in Brazilian and American schools. In the USA, it is a core topic in AP Biology and introductory college biology courses. In Brazil, it is part of the standard curriculum in high school (Ensino Médio) and university biology programs.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
diffusionosmosisfacilitated diffusionnon-energy-dependent transport
Antonyms / Antônimos
active transportenergy-dependent transportATP-driven transport

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
transporte passivo
Standard term used in biology education and scientific contexts
Portugal
transporte passivo
Same terminology used in Portuguese scientific literature
São Paulo
transporte passivo
Common in university biology programs and medical schools

Related Words

concentration gradientsemipermeable membraneion channelcell membraneosmotic pressurediffusion

Related Idioms & Phrases

follow the concentration gradient
move with the flow
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →