Multiple Choice
How are simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion similar in passive transport across a cell membrane?
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9. Transport Across Membranes
Passive Transport: Diffusion and Osmosis
Multiple Choice
In a hypotonic environment (too much water outside the cell), what is the most likely outcome for an animal cell due to osmosis?
A
Water enters the cell, causing it to swell and potentially lyse (burst).
B
The cell actively pumps excess water out using ATP to maintain its volume.
C
There is no net movement of water because diffusion stops at equilibrium.
D
Water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink (crenate).
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Recognize that a hypotonic environment means the extracellular fluid has a lower solute concentration (more water) compared to the inside of the animal cell.
Step 3: Apply the principle of osmosis: water will move from the hypotonic environment (outside) into the cell where solute concentration is higher.
Step 4: Consider the consequences of water entering the cell: the cell will swell as it gains water, and because animal cells lack a rigid cell wall, excessive swelling can lead to the cell bursting (lysis).
Step 5: Note that animal cells do not have mechanisms like plant cells to prevent bursting, so the most likely outcome is swelling and potential lysis due to water influx.
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