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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6:37 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

In the following diagram, identify the type of solution (hypertonic, hypotonic, or isotonic) in which the red blood cells are immersed.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the definitions of hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions. A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration than the cell, causing water to move out of the cell. A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration than the cell, causing water to move into the cell. An isotonic solution has an equal solute concentration to the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Step 2: Examine the diagram provided. Look for visual cues such as the size and shape of the red blood cells. In a hypertonic solution, cells will appear shriveled due to water loss. In a hypotonic solution, cells will appear swollen or may burst due to water influx. In an isotonic solution, cells will maintain their normal shape.

Step 3: Match the appearance of the red blood cells in each labeled part of the diagram (a, b, c) to the characteristics of hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions. For example, if the cells in 'a' are shriveled, 'a' corresponds to a hypertonic solution.

Step 4: Consider the direction of water movement for each solution type. Use the principle of osmosis, which states that water moves from areas of lower solute concentration to areas of higher solute concentration, to confirm your observations from the diagram.

Step 5: Assign the correct solution type (hypertonic, hypotonic, or isotonic) to each part of the diagram (a, b, c) based on your analysis of the cell appearance and water movement.

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Key Concepts

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

Osmosis

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This process is crucial for maintaining cell turgor and overall homeostasis. Understanding osmosis helps in determining how cells react in different solutions, such as hypertonic, hypotonic, or isotonic environments.

Hypertonic Solution

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell. When red blood cells are placed in a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cells, causing them to shrink or crenate. Recognizing this concept is essential for predicting the behavior of cells in various solutions.

Hypotonic Solution

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes than the inside of the cell. In this environment, water moves into the red blood cells, leading to swelling and potentially bursting (lysis). Understanding hypotonic solutions is vital for assessing how cells respond to changes in their surrounding fluid environment.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

When a cell is placed in a(n)___solution, the cell will lose water through osmosis. This process results in the___ of red blood cells

(a) hypotonic; crenation

(b) hypertonic; crenation

(d) hypotonic; hemolysis

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Textbook Question

The sodium–potassium exchange pump

(a) Is an example of facilitated diffusion

(b) Does not require the input of cellular energy in the form of ATP

(d) Is composed of a carrier protein located in the plasma membrane

(e) Is not necessary for the maintenance of homeostasis

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Textbook Question

The transport of a certain molecule exhibits the following characteristics:

(1) The molecule moves down its concentration gradient;

(2) at concentrations above a given level, the rate of transport does not increase; and

(3) cellular energy is not required for transport to occur.

Which transport process is at work?

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Textbook Question

Solutions A and B are separated by a selectively permeable barrier. Over time, the level of fluid on side A increases. Which solution initially had the higher concentration of solute?

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Textbook Question

The process that transports solid objects such as bacteria into the cell is called

(a) Pinocytosis

(b) Phagocytosis

(d) Receptor-mediated endocytosis

(e) Channel-mediated transport

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Textbook Question

Plasma membranes are said to be

(a) Impermeable

(b) Freely permeable