Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Osmosis
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In the context of the question, adding a 1-M sodium chloride solution on one side and a 1.5 M potassium ion solution on the other creates a concentration gradient. Water will move towards the higher concentration of solutes (potassium ions) to balance the solute concentrations on both sides.
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Lipid Bilayer
A lipid bilayer is a fundamental component of cell membranes, consisting of two layers of phospholipids with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward. In the experimental chamber, the lipid bilayer separates the two solutions, allowing for selective permeability. This structure is crucial for understanding how substances, including water and ions, can move across the membrane during osmosis and other transport processes.
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CFTR Protein
The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein is a channel protein that facilitates the transport of chloride ions across epithelial cell membranes. In the context of the question, the addition of CFTR to the lipid bilayer could enhance the movement of chloride ions, potentially altering osmotic balance and influencing the direction of water movement. This could lead to changes in the osmotic gradient, affecting how water flows between the two compartments.
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