Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

6. The Membrane

Osmosis

General Biology

6. The Membrane

Osmosis

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Multiple Choice

How was osmosis involved in causing Clark's seizures?

A rapid change in blood osmolarity caused water to move into Clark's brain cells, leading to swelling and triggering seizures.

Clark's kidneys stopped filtering water due to osmosis, resulting in dehydration and seizures.

Osmosis increased the production of neurotransmitters in Clark's brain, causing excessive neural activity and seizures.

Osmosis caused sodium ions to accumulate in Clark's bloodstream, directly stimulating neurons to fire uncontrollably.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This process is driven by differences in osmolarity (solute concentration).

Analyze the scenario: Clark's seizures are linked to changes in blood osmolarity. A rapid change in blood osmolarity can cause water to move into or out of cells, depending on the direction of the osmotic gradient.

Focus on brain cells: If blood osmolarity decreases rapidly (hypotonic condition), water will move into brain cells due to osmosis, causing them to swell. Swelling of brain cells can increase intracranial pressure and disrupt normal neural function, potentially triggering seizures.

Eliminate incorrect options: Osmosis does not directly increase neurotransmitter production, nor does it cause sodium ions to accumulate in the bloodstream to stimulate neurons. These options are not consistent with the biological mechanism of osmosis.

Conclude the correct explanation: The correct answer involves the rapid change in blood osmolarity leading to water movement into Clark's brain cells, causing swelling and triggering seizures. This aligns with the biological principles of osmosis and its effects on cell volume and function.