Question

a biologist is studying a single plant cell under a microscope. to understand how the cell membrane helps maintain homeostasis, the biologist places the cell in three different beakers, each containing a solution with a different concentration of solutes. the cells membrane, which is selectively permeable, must regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell to keep it in a healthy, stable state. the cell uses a protein pump and atp to transport potassium ions (k+) into the cell, even when the concentration of k+ is already higher inside the cell. what type of cell process is this and why is atp required?

Explanation:

Active transport moves substances against the concentration gradient, from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration. This process requires energy in the form of ATP. In the described scenario, potassium ions are being moved into the cell where their concentration is already higher, which is against the concentration gradient and thus requires ATP - powered protein pumps. Passive transport, on the other hand, moves substances with the concentration gradient and does not require ATP.

Answer:

active transport, to go against the concentration gradient from lower concentration to higher concentration