Question

Transport of materials over short distances usually takes place through:
A. Facilitated diffusion
B. Active transport
C. Passive transport
D. Diffusion

Answer 1

Hint: Active transport requires an input of metabolic energy, usually in the form of ATP for animal cells or adenosine diphosphate for plant cells.

Complete step by step answer:
Transport mechanisms in organisms are extensively diverse. The most common transport mechanism is the diffusion of molecules along concentration gradients (often called "simple diffusion"), and this is the process used by all cells to take up nutrients and release metabolic wastes (including oxygen). The second process is called facilitated diffusion. Transport occurs when a molecule binds to a transporter molecule and transports it across a membrane. Transport of materials over short distances usually takes place through diffusion. Active transport is when a transporter molecule moves molecules uphill against the concentration gradient, from low to high concentration. Active transport is not utilised for short distances. Rather it is used for transporting materials at farther distances, with a requirement of energy. These transports are mainly powered by ATP and work on the principles of concentration gradients (hydrostatic pressure) and osmosis.
The transportation of materials over short distances usually occurs through diffusion. Diffusion is how substances spread from areas of high concentrations to areas of low concentrations. This process is usually done by distributing materials through covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, and Van der Waals forces. The Passive Transport system is the passage of passive molecules such as water and dissolved nutrients or gases through the outflow tract due to the pressure gradient.
Therefore, the correct Option is D i.e diffusion.

Note: Diffusion happens when molecules move to areas where they are less crowded and have more available space for moving around than in highly concentrated parts. It is most often seen in biology, as liquids and gases need a medium to travel through, like blood, water, or air.