Active transport basics and misconceptions

Steps:

• Define active transport as energy-requiring movement of molecules/ions against their concentration gradient across membranes.
• Examine option A: It limits active transport to plants only, ignoring its occurrence in animal cells like sodium-potassium pumps.
• Verify B, C, D against definition: All align with moving substances against gradients using energy across selective membranes.
• Conclude A is the incorrect statement based on biological universality.

Why A is correct:

• Active transport is a fundamental process in all eukaryotic cells, including animals, as per cell biology principles—not exclusive to plants.

Why the others are wrong:

• B: Correctly describes movement against the concentration gradient, a core feature.
• C: Accurately states energy (ATP) usage for uphill transport.
• D: Properly identifies partially permeable membranes as the site of this selective process.

Final answer: A