Multiple Choice
How do merocrine glands secrete their products?
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6. The Membrane
Introduction to Membrane Transport
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Which is a unique characteristic of glucose as a solute in biological systems?
A
It requires a specific transporter protein to cross the plasma membrane.
B
It is a nonpolar molecule that dissolves easily in membrane lipids.
C
It is actively pumped out of cells by sodium-potassium ATPase.
D
It can freely diffuse through the lipid bilayer without assistance.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the nature of glucose: Glucose is a polar molecule due to its hydroxyl (-OH) groups, making it hydrophilic and unable to dissolve in the hydrophobic lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane.
Review the structure of the plasma membrane: The lipid bilayer is composed of phospholipids with hydrophobic tails, which prevent polar molecules like glucose from freely diffusing through it.
Learn about transporter proteins: Glucose requires specific transporter proteins, such as GLUT (glucose transporters), to facilitate its movement across the plasma membrane because it cannot pass through on its own.
Eliminate incorrect options: Glucose is not nonpolar, does not dissolve in membrane lipids, and is not actively pumped out by sodium-potassium ATPase, which is involved in ion transport rather than glucose transport.
Conclude the unique characteristic: The correct answer is that glucose requires a specific transporter protein to cross the plasma membrane, highlighting its dependence on facilitated diffusion or active transport mechanisms.
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