Question 1: Define active transport and explain its role in cellular processes.

Answer: Active transport is the process by which substances are moved across cell membranes against their concentration gradient using energy, often from ATP. It is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and nutrient uptake.

Question 2: Describe how nanotechnology can utilise active transport mechanisms to deliver drugs into cells.

Answer: Nanotechnology can engineer nanoparticles that mimic natural substances and use active transport pathways to facilitate targeted drug delivery into cells, increasing efficiency and reducing side effects.

Question 3: Calculate the energy required (in joules) to actively transport 5 x 10^-9 mol of ions across a cell membrane if each ion requires 30 kJ/mol of energy.

Answer: E = n × energy per mol = (5 × 10^-9 mol) × (30,000 J/mol) = 1.5 × 10^-4 J

Question 4: Identify two variables that could affect the efficiency of nanotechnology-based active transport systems.

Answer: Variables include temperature and nanoparticle size.

Question 5: Explain the safety precautions that should be considered when designing nanotechnology systems for active transport.

Answer: Safety precautions include ensuring nanoparticle biocompatibility to prevent toxicity, controlling particle size to avoid unintended interactions, and conducting thorough testing to assess long-term effects and environmental impact.

Question 6: In a hypothetical scenario, a nanotech device increases active transport rate by 50%. If the original rate is 2.0 × 10^-6 mol/sec, what is the new rate? Show your calculation.

Answer: New rate = 2.0 × 10^-6 mol/sec × 1.5 = 3.0 × 10^-6 mol/sec

Question 7: Describe how active transport is utilised in nanotechnology to enhance targeted cancer therapy.

Answer: Active transport mechanisms can be exploited to selectively deliver nanoparticles carrying chemotherapy drugs into cancer cells, improving targeting and reducing damage to healthy tissue.

Question 8: Analyse the potential environmental impacts of widespread nanotechnology use in active transport systems.

Answer: Potential impacts include nanoparticle accumulation in ecosystems, toxicity to aquatic life, and challenges in waste management. Proper regulation and biodegradable designs are necessary to mitigate these risks.

Question 9: Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key energy source used in active transport in cells?

Answer: B

Question 10: Fill in the blank: Nanotechnology enhances active transport by providing __________ that can cross cell membranes more efficiently.

Answer: nanoparticles