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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2:25 minutes

Problem 25

Textbook Question

Fresh water is a precious natural resource in Florida and it is said that supplies are dwindling. Desalinizing (removing salt from) ocean water has been recommended as a solution to the problem. Why shouldn't we drink salt water?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of osmosis: Salt water has a much higher concentration of solutes (salt) compared to the fluids in our body's cells. Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Explain the effect of drinking salt water: When you drink salt water, the high salt concentration in the water causes water to move out of your body's cells into the bloodstream to balance the solute concentration. This leads to cellular dehydration.

Discuss the role of the kidneys: The kidneys are responsible for filtering out excess salt from the body. However, they require water to excrete salt. Drinking salt water increases the salt load on the kidneys, and they cannot produce urine with a higher salt concentration than seawater. This means the body loses more water than it gains, worsening dehydration.

Highlight the physiological consequences: Dehydration from drinking salt water can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, fatigue, confusion, and in severe cases, organ failure or death. The body cannot function properly without adequate hydration.

Conclude with the importance of fresh water: Fresh water is essential for maintaining the body's fluid balance and supporting physiological processes. Desalination of ocean water can provide a source of fresh water, but drinking untreated salt water is harmful to human health.

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Key Concepts

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

Salinity and Human Physiology

Salinity refers to the concentration of salts in water. Human kidneys can only filter out a limited amount of salt, and drinking salt water, which has a much higher salinity than our body's fluids, can lead to dehydration. When we consume salt water, the body requires more water to excrete the excess salt, ultimately leading to a net loss of water.

Desalination Process

Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater to produce fresh water. This can be achieved through methods such as reverse osmosis or distillation. While desalination can provide a solution to water scarcity, it is energy-intensive and can have environmental impacts, making it a complex alternative to simply drinking salt water.

Environmental Impact of Water Sources

The extraction and use of fresh water from natural sources can significantly impact local ecosystems. Over-extraction can lead to habitat destruction, reduced biodiversity, and changes in water quality. Understanding the balance between human water needs and environmental sustainability is crucial when considering solutions like desalination versus conserving existing freshwater resources.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Osmosis always involves:

a. A selectively permeable membrane

b. A difference in solute concentration

c. Diffusion

d. Active transport

e. a, b, and c

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Textbook Question

A physiologist observes that the concentration of sodium inside a cell is decidedly lower than that outside the cell. She also observes that there is a small leakage of sodium into the cell. What cellular process prevents the sodium concentration gradient from disappearing?

a. Osmosis

b. Diffusion

c. Primary active transport

d. Secondary active transport

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Textbook Question

Differentiate between primary and secondary active transport processes.

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Textbook Question

A 'red-hot' bacterial infection of the intestinal tract irritates the intestinal cells and interferes with digestion. Such a condition is often accompanied by diarrhea, which causes loss of body water. On the basis of what you have learned about osmotic water flows, explain why diarrhea may occur.

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Textbook Question

For diffusion to occur, there must be:

a. A selectively permeable membrane

b. Equal amounts of solute

c. A concentration difference

d. Some sort of carrier system

e. All of the above

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Textbook Question

List five important factors that influence diffusion rates.