If cells are placed in a hypertonic solution containing a solute to which the membrane is impermeable, what could happen?
The cells will shrink at first, but will later reach equilibrium with the surrounding solution and return to their original condition.
The cells will show no change due to diffusion of both solute and solvent.
The cells will lose water and shrink.
The cells will swell and ultimately burst.
The Correct Answer is C
A. The cells will shrink at first, but will later reach equilibrium with the surrounding solution and return to their original condition: If the solute cannot cross the membrane, the cells cannot regain water through solute equilibration, so they will not return to their original size.
B. The cells will show no change due to diffusion of both solute and solvent: In a hypertonic solution where the solute is impermeable, only water can move, so diffusion of solute does not occur and the cell will be affected by water loss.
C. The cells will lose water and shrink: Water moves out of the cell by osmosis to balance the higher extracellular solute concentration. The loss of water causes the cells to shrink, a process called crenation.
D. The cells will swell and ultimately burst: Swelling occurs in a hypotonic solution where water enters the cell due to lower solute concentration outside. In a hypertonic solution, the opposite occurs, so bursting does not happen.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Sodium bicarbonate: Sodium bicarbonate has the chemical formula NaHCO₃, which is different from H₂CO₃. It acts as a base in buffering systems.
B. Glucose: Glucose is a carbohydrate with the formula C₆H₁₂O₆, and it does not contain the acidic hydrogen atoms found in H₂CO₃.
C. Sulfuric acid: Sulfuric acid has the chemical formula H₂SO₄. It contains sulfur and is a strong acid, unlike H₂CO₃.
D. Carbonic acid: H₂CO₃ is carbonic acid, formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water. It plays an important role in maintaining blood pH and the bicarbonate buffering system.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. In their resting state, all body cells exhibit a resting membrane potential: Every living cell maintains an electrical charge difference across its plasma membrane. Even non-excitable cells display a resting membrane potential, though it is most significant in nerve and muscle cells.
B. The resting membrane potential is maintained solely by passive transport processes: Passive diffusion of ions contributes to membrane potential, but active transport is also required. The sodium-potassium pump actively moves sodium out and potassium in, counteracting passive leaks.
C. The resting membrane potential occurs due to active transport of ions across the membrane due to the sodium-potassium pump: The sodium-potassium pump is vital because it maintains the steep gradients of sodium and potassium. Without this active transport, the gradients would dissipate, eliminating the resting potential.
D. The resting membrane potential is determined mainly by the concentration gradients and differential permeability of the plasma membrane to K+ and Na+ ions: Potassium has the greatest influence since the membrane is more permeable to K+ at rest. Sodium also plays a role, but the relative permeability differences primarily shape the resting potential.
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