Multiple Choice
In cell biology, osmosis refers to the movement of which substance across a selectively permeable membrane?
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9. Transport Across Membranes
Passive Transport: Diffusion and Osmosis
Multiple Choice
Crenation (shriveling) of an animal cell such as a red blood cell takes place when the cell is placed in which type of solution?
A
A hypertonic solution, causing water to leave the cell by osmosis
B
A hypotonic solution, causing water to enter the cell by osmosis
C
A solution in which solutes freely diffuse into the cell until equilibrium is reached
D
An isotonic solution, causing no net movement of water across the membrane
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of osmosis, which is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
Identify the types of solutions relative to the cell's internal environment: a hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell, a hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration outside the cell, and an isotonic solution has equal solute concentration inside and outside the cell.
Recognize that in a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell to the area of higher solute concentration, causing the cell to lose water and shrink, a process known as crenation in animal cells.
In contrast, in a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell, potentially causing it to swell and burst, while in an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water, so the cell maintains its shape.
Conclude that crenation occurs specifically when an animal cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, leading to water leaving the cell by osmosis.
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