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

42. Osmoregulation and Excretion

Osmoregulation and Excretion

General Biology

42. Osmoregulation and Excretion

Osmoregulation and Excretion

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3:09 minutes

Problem 25

Textbook Question

Scientists have found that the quantity of aquaporin molecules inserted in the membranes of collecting duct cells changes in response to ADH levels. Draw a line graph proposing a relationship between ADH levels and its effect on the quantity of aquaporins. Additionally, explain how the relationship between ADH and aquaporins corresponds to situations of dehydration and hydration.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the variables for the graph: The x-axis will represent the levels of ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone), and the y-axis will represent the quantity of aquaporin molecules in the membranes of collecting duct cells.

Propose a relationship: As ADH levels increase, the quantity of aquaporin molecules in the collecting duct cells is likely to increase. This is because ADH plays a role in regulating water reabsorption in the kidneys by increasing the permeability of the cell membranes to water.

Draw the line graph: Plot the data points based on the proposed relationship and draw a line that best fits these points. The line is expected to show a positive correlation between ADH levels and the quantity of aquaporins.

Explain the relationship in terms of dehydration: During dehydration, the body's ADH levels increase to promote water reabsorption in the kidneys. This is achieved by inserting more aquaporin molecules into the membranes of collecting duct cells, thus increasing water permeability and reducing water loss in urine.

Discuss the relationship in terms of hydration: Conversely, during hydration, the body's ADH levels decrease, leading to a reduction in the number of aquaporin molecules in the collecting duct cells. This decreases water reabsorption, allowing more water to be excreted in the urine, thus maintaining fluid balance.

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Key Concepts

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

Aquaporins

Aquaporins are specialized channel proteins embedded in cell membranes that facilitate the transport of water molecules. They play a crucial role in regulating water balance in the body, particularly in the kidneys, where they are essential for reabsorbing water from urine. The presence and quantity of aquaporins in cell membranes can be influenced by various hormones, including antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. It regulates water retention in the body by promoting the insertion of aquaporins into the membranes of kidney collecting duct cells. Higher levels of ADH lead to increased water reabsorption, which is critical during dehydration, while lower levels result in less water being reabsorbed.

Dehydration and Hydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in, leading to a higher concentration of solutes in the blood. In response, ADH levels increase, prompting the kidneys to insert more aquaporins into collecting duct cells, enhancing water reabsorption and concentrating urine. Conversely, during hydration, lower ADH levels result in fewer aquaporins, allowing more water to be excreted, thus diluting the urine and maintaining fluid balance.

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Multiple Choice

Why must marine bony fishes drink large amounts of seawater?