IGCSE · Biology 0610 · Movement into & out of cells

Active transport: IGCSE Biology questions with answers

Free Active transport questions for IGCSE Biology (0610), Extended tier (Supplement content), part of Movement into & out of cells. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Active transport practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Root hair cells absorb mineral ions from the soil by active transport.
1    The ions move by osmosis.
2    The ions move against a concentration gradient.
3    The process stops if oxygen is removed from the soil.
Which statements are correct?

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 2 and 3 only
  3. C 2 only
  4. D 3 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which statement describes active transport?

  1. A A nitrogenous waste made in the liver from excess amino acids
  2. B An enzyme used to increase the yield of fruit juice
  3. C The movement of particles through a cell membrane from a region of lower to higher concentration, using energy from respiration
  4. D Vessels with thick, muscular, elastic walls that carry blood away from the heart at high pressure
Show answer

Answer: C

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Root hair cells absorb mineral ions from the soil by active transport.
1    Protein carriers in the cell membrane are involved.
2    The ions move against a concentration gradient.
3    The ions move by osmosis.
Which statements are correct?

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 1 and 2 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 2 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 4Structured · 6 marksA* challenge

Root hair cells absorb mineral ions from the soil by active transport.

(a)

Define active transport.

[3]
(b)

Explain why root hair cells contain many mitochondria.

[2]
(c)

Name the type of molecule in the membrane that carries ions across.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)movement against concentration gradient using energy from respiration
the movement of particles through a cell membrane B1
from a region of lower concentration to higher concentration (against a gradient) B1
using energy from respiration B1
3
(b)energy for active transport
active transport needs energy B1
mitochondria release energy by aerobic respiration B1
2
(c)protein carrier
carrier proteins B1
1
Question 5Structured · 3 marks

Plants absorb nitrate ions even when the soil concentration is lower than in root cells.

(a)

Name the process.

[1]
(b)

Explain why respiration inhibitors reduce ion uptake.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)active transport
active transport B1
1
(b)no ATP/energy for active transport
respiration releases the energy needed B1
without it active transport stops B1
2
Question 6Structured · 3 marks

Active transport, diffusion and osmosis are three ways substances move into cells.

(a)

State one way in which active transport differs from diffusion.

[1]
(b)

Suggest why active transport stops if the oxygen supply to roots is cut off.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)needs energy / against gradient
active transport needs energy (ATP) / moves against a concentration gradient B1
1
(b)no aerobic respiration, no energy
without oxygen, aerobic respiration stops B1
so not enough energy is released for active transport B1
2

More Movement into & out of cells questions

DiffusionOsmosis

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in