Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Introduction to Membrane Transport

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Introduction to Membrane Transport

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3:20 minutes

Problem 29

Textbook Question

A molecule that blocks the ion channels lining integral proteins in the plasma membrane would interfere with
(a) Cell recognition
(b) The movement of lipid-soluble molecules
(c) Producing changes in the electrical charges across a plasma membrane
(d) The ability of protein hormones to stimulate the cell
(e) The cell's ability to divide

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of ion channels in the plasma membrane. Ion channels are integral proteins that allow the selective passage of ions (such as Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Cl⁻) across the plasma membrane, which is crucial for maintaining the cell's electrical charge and signaling processes.

Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. Each option describes a specific cellular function, and you need to determine which function would be directly affected by blocking ion channels.

Step 3: Evaluate option (a): Cell recognition is primarily mediated by glycoproteins and glycolipids on the plasma membrane, not ion channels. Blocking ion channels would not interfere with this process.

Step 4: Evaluate option (c): Producing changes in the electrical charges across a plasma membrane is directly dependent on the movement of ions through ion channels. Blocking ion channels would prevent ions from moving, disrupting the electrical charge balance.

Step 5: Conclude that blocking ion channels would most directly interfere with option (c), as ion channels are essential for maintaining and altering the electrical charges across the plasma membrane.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ion Channels

Ion channels are integral membrane proteins that facilitate the selective passage of ions across the plasma membrane. They play a crucial role in maintaining the cell's electrochemical gradient and are essential for processes such as nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. Blocking these channels can disrupt normal cellular functions, including signal transduction and homeostasis.

Plasma Membrane Function

The plasma membrane serves as a barrier that regulates the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell. It is composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins that assist in transport, communication, and cell recognition. Disruption of the membrane's integrity or function can significantly impact cellular activities, including hormone signaling and nutrient uptake.

Cell Signaling

Cell signaling refers to the complex communication processes that govern cellular activities and coordinate responses to external stimuli. Protein hormones often bind to specific receptors on the plasma membrane, triggering a cascade of intracellular events. If ion channels are blocked, it can hinder the signaling pathways necessary for the cell to respond appropriately to hormonal stimuli.