Multiple Choice
A red blood cell placed in pure water will swell and potentially burst. This cell is in a(n) _____ solution.
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6. The Membrane
Osmosis
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Which of the following structures acts as a barrier that restricts the flow of water during osmosis in animal cells?
A
Nucleus
B
Plasma membrane
C
Ribosome
D
Mitochondrial matrix
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
Identify the structure in animal cells that acts as a semi-permeable membrane: The plasma membrane is responsible for regulating the flow of substances, including water, in and out of the cell.
Eliminate incorrect options: The nucleus, ribosome, and mitochondrial matrix do not function as barriers for water movement during osmosis. They have other specific roles in the cell.
Focus on the plasma membrane: The plasma membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, which makes it selectively permeable to water and solutes.
Conclude that the plasma membrane is the correct answer: It acts as the barrier that restricts the flow of water during osmosis in animal cells.
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