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

Osmosis

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Osmosis

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2:39 minutes

Problem 9

Textbook Question

In an experiment, you create two groups of liposomes in a solution containing 0.1 M NaCl—one made from red blood cell membranes and the other from frog egg cell membranes. When the liposomes are placed in water, those with red blood cell membranes burst more rapidly than those made from egg membranes. What could explain these results? Select True or False for each of the following statements.a. T/F The red blood cell liposomes are more hypertonic relative to water than the frog egg liposomes.b. T/F The red blood cell liposomes are more hypotonic relative to water than the frog egg liposomes.c. T/F The red blood cell liposomes contain more aquaporins than the frog egg liposomes.d. T/F The frog egg liposomes contain ion channels, which are not present in the red blood cell liposomes.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of tonicity. Tonicity refers to the relative concentration of solutes in two solutions separated by a semipermeable membrane. A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, while a hypotonic solution has a lower concentration.

Step 2: Analyze the environment. Both liposome groups are initially in a 0.1 M NaCl solution, which is isotonic to both types of membranes. When placed in water, the environment becomes hypotonic relative to the liposomes, causing water to move into the liposomes.

Step 3: Consider the role of aquaporins. Aquaporins are membrane proteins that facilitate water transport across cell membranes. If red blood cell liposomes burst more rapidly, it could be due to a higher number of aquaporins, allowing faster water influx.

Step 4: Evaluate the presence of ion channels. Ion channels allow ions to pass through the membrane, potentially affecting osmotic balance. If frog egg liposomes have ion channels that red blood cell liposomes lack, this could influence their stability in water.

Step 5: Apply the information to each statement. Use the understanding of tonicity, aquaporins, and ion channels to assess the truthfulness of each statement regarding the behavior of the liposomes in water.

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Key Concepts

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

Osmosis and Tonicity

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. Tonicity refers to the relative concentration of solutes in a solution compared to another solution. A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration than the cell, causing it to lose water, while a hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration, leading to water influx and potential bursting of the cell.

Membrane Composition and Permeability

The composition of a cell membrane, including the types and amounts of lipids and proteins, affects its permeability to water and solutes. Red blood cell membranes are primarily composed of phospholipids and contain specific proteins that facilitate rapid water movement, while frog egg cell membranes may have different lipid compositions and protein channels, influencing their response to osmotic changes.

Aquaporins and Ion Channels

Aquaporins are specialized water channel proteins that facilitate the rapid transport of water across cell membranes. The presence of aquaporins can significantly increase the rate of osmosis. Ion channels, on the other hand, allow the passage of ions across the membrane, which can affect the osmotic balance and overall cell volume. The differences in these proteins between red blood cell and frog egg cell membranes can explain the varying rates of liposome bursting.