What is transport in biology form 2 notes?

The Vital Role of Transport Systems in Biology: Form 2 Notes

Biological transport systems are the lifeblood of all living organisms. They represent a complex network of processes responsible for the movement of essential substances into and out of cells, ensuring the continued functioning and survival of every organism. Think of it as the internal delivery and waste management service of a living being, operating at a microscopic level.

This intricate network isn’t just about moving things around; it’s a finely tuned system crucial for maintaining homeostasis – the stable internal environment necessary for life. The failure of these transport systems can lead to cellular dysfunction and ultimately, the death of the organism.

What gets transported?

The transport systems move a variety of crucial substances, including:

• Nutrients: Sugars (glucose), amino acids, fatty acids – the building blocks for growth, repair, and energy production. These are absorbed from the digestive system or produced through photosynthesis (in plants) and need to reach every cell.
• Oxygen: Essential for cellular respiration, the process that releases energy from nutrients. Oxygen is absorbed from the air (in animals) or produced during photosynthesis (in plants).
• Water: The solvent for many biological processes, involved in numerous chemical reactions and crucial for maintaining cell structure.
• Hormones: Chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions, needing to travel from their production site to their target cells.
• Waste products: Carbon dioxide, urea, and other byproducts of metabolism. These must be efficiently removed to prevent toxic build-up.

How does transport occur?

Transport methods vary depending on the size and nature of the substance being moved and the distance involved. They can be broadly classified into:

• Passive Transport: This requires no energy input from the cell. Examples include:

  • Diffusion: Movement of substances from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
  • Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
  • Facilitated Diffusion: Movement of substances across a membrane with the help of transport proteins, still moving down a concentration gradient.

• Active Transport: This requires energy (usually in the form of ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient (from low to high concentration). This allows cells to accumulate necessary substances even if they are less concentrated outside the cell.

Organ Systems Involved:

In multicellular organisms, specialized organ systems are involved in transport. For example:

• Circulatory System (Animals): The heart, blood vessels, and blood work together to transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
• Vascular System (Plants): Xylem transports water and minerals from the roots to the leaves, while phloem transports sugars produced during photosynthesis to other parts of the plant.

Understanding biological transport systems is essential for comprehending the fundamental processes of life. From the simple diffusion of molecules across a cell membrane to the complex workings of the circulatory system, these processes are vital for maintaining the health and survival of all living organisms. Further study will delve deeper into the specifics of each transport mechanism and the organ systems involved.