Question

a plant 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. a plant 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? passive transport, to go with the concentration gradient from higher concentration to lower concentration active transport, to go against the concentration gradient from lower concentration to higher concentration active transport, to go with the concentration gradient from higher concentration to lower concentration passive transport, to go against the concentration gradient from lower concentration to higher concentration

Explanation:

Active transport moves substances against the concentration gradient (from lower to higher concentration) and requires energy in the form of ATP. Passive transport goes with the concentration gradient (from higher to lower concentration) and does not require ATP. Since potassium ions are being transported against their concentration gradient and ATP is used, it is active transport.

Answer:

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