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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2:38 minutes

Problem 2

Textbook Question

The process that transports solid objects such as bacteria into the cell is called
(a) Pinocytosis
(b) Phagocytosis
(c) Exocytosis
(d) Receptor-mediated endocytosis
(e) Channel-mediated transport

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the process described in the question. The problem refers to the transport of solid objects, such as bacteria, into the cell. This is a type of endocytosis, which is the process by which cells engulf material from their surroundings.

Step 2: Review the options provided. Pinocytosis (a) involves the ingestion of liquid and small dissolved substances, not solid objects. Exocytosis (c) is the process of expelling materials from the cell, so it does not apply here. Channel-mediated transport (e) involves the movement of ions or molecules through protein channels, which is unrelated to engulfing solid objects.

Step 3: Focus on the remaining options: phagocytosis (b) and receptor-mediated endocytosis (d). Phagocytosis is specifically the process by which cells engulf large solid particles, such as bacteria or debris. Receptor-mediated endocytosis, on the other hand, involves the selective uptake of molecules based on receptor binding, typically for smaller substances.

Step 4: Recall that phagocytosis is often performed by specialized cells like macrophages and neutrophils, which are part of the immune system. These cells use phagocytosis to engulf and destroy bacteria or other harmful particles.

Step 5: Conclude that the correct process for transporting solid objects like bacteria into the cell is phagocytosis (b), based on its definition and function.

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Key Concepts

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

Phagocytosis

Phagocytosis is a type of endocytosis where a cell engulfs solid particles, such as bacteria or dead cells, by extending its membrane around the particle and forming a vesicle. This process is crucial for immune responses, allowing immune cells to eliminate pathogens and debris. It is often referred to as 'cell eating' and is distinct from other forms of endocytosis that involve liquid or smaller molecules.

Endocytosis

Endocytosis is a cellular process in which substances are brought into the cell by engulfing them with the cell membrane. This process can be categorized into different types, including phagocytosis (for solids) and pinocytosis (for liquids). Endocytosis is essential for nutrient uptake, signaling, and maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Vesicle Formation

Vesicle formation is a critical step in the process of endocytosis, where the cell membrane invaginates to enclose the material being transported, creating a small, membrane-bound sac called a vesicle. This vesicle then detaches from the membrane and moves into the cytoplasm, where its contents can be processed or degraded. Understanding vesicle formation is key to grasping how cells internalize various substances.

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Related Practice

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

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

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Textbook Question

Plasma membranes are said to be

(a) Impermeable

(b) Freely permeable

(d) Actively permeable

(e) Slightly permeable

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Textbook Question