AQA Biology Active Transport

A complete lesson covering section 4.1.3.3 of the AQA Biology Specification- active transport. The lesson begins with a retrieval starter revisiting key Paper 1 concepts, including diffusion, osmosis, partially permeable membranes, water potential, and plant cell adaptations.

Students are introduced to active transport through a simple “going against the gradient” analogy, helping them understand why energy is required to move substances from a low concentration to a high concentration. Core content focuses on the definition of active transport, the role of carrier proteins, and the importance of ATP supplied by respiration.

Throughout the lesson, students complete structured note-taking activities and apply their understanding through questions comparing active transport with diffusion. They also explore the link between mitochondria, ATP production, and active transport by considering the effects of cyanide poisoning on cells.

A classification activity challenges students to compare diffusion, osmosis, and active transport, identifying similarities and differences between the three transport processes.

The lesson then applies active transport to a biological context through the study of root hair cells and mineral ion uptake, reinforcing why diffusion alone is insufficient for plant nutrition.

Students consolidate their learning with GCSE exam-style questions on active transport and explain how both osmosis and active transport work together in root hair cells to absorb water and mineral ions from the soil.

The lesson concludes with a plenary revisiting the learning question and assessing students’ understanding of why active transport requires energy and how it differs from passive transport processes

All answers included