Multiple Choice
In the context of passive transport and osmosis, what is crenation of a cell?
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9. Transport Across Membranes
Passive Transport: Diffusion and Osmosis
Multiple Choice
In passive transport, what typically happens to an animal cell placed in a hypotonic solution relative to its cytoplasm?
A
There is no net movement of water because the solution is isotonic
B
Water leaves the cell by osmosis, causing the cell to shrink (crenate)
C
Solutes diffuse into the cell, decreasing intracellular water and causing the cell to shrink
D
Water enters the cell by osmosis, causing the cell to swell and possibly lyse
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of passive transport, specifically 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: Identify the tonicity of the solution relative to the cell's cytoplasm. A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell.
Step 3: Apply the principle of osmosis: water will move from the hypotonic solution (where water concentration is higher) into the cell (where solute concentration is higher) to balance solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.
Step 4: Predict the effect on the animal cell: as water enters, the cell volume increases, causing the cell to swell.
Step 5: Recognize the potential outcome if too much water enters: the cell may swell excessively and eventually burst, a process known as lysis.
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