Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Oxygen crosses a plasma membrane by which of the following processes?
A
Simple diffusion
B
Facilitated diffusion
C
Active transport
D
Endocytosis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the nature of oxygen: Oxygen is a small, nonpolar molecule, which means it can easily pass through the hydrophobic lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane without requiring assistance from proteins or energy.
Review the process of simple diffusion: Simple diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration directly through the lipid bilayer, driven by the concentration gradient.
Compare simple diffusion with facilitated diffusion: Facilitated diffusion involves the use of transport proteins to move molecules across the membrane, typically for larger or polar molecules. Oxygen does not require transport proteins because it is small and nonpolar.
Evaluate active transport: Active transport requires energy (ATP) to move molecules against their concentration gradient. Since oxygen moves passively down its concentration gradient, active transport is not involved.
Consider endocytosis: Endocytosis is a process where the cell engulfs large particles or fluids using vesicles. Oxygen, being a small molecule, does not require this process to cross the plasma membrane.