Which variables affect the rate of diffusion? (Select all that apply.)
Density of media
Size of molecules
Concentration gradient
Membrane permeability
pH
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E
Choice A rationale: Density of media affects the rate of diffusion because it influences the frequency of collisions between the diffusing molecules and the molecules of the medium. The denser the medium, the slower the diffusion rate, and vice versa.
Choice B rationale: Size of molecules affects the rate of diffusion because it determines how easily the molecules can move through the spaces between the molecules of the medium. The smaller the molecules, the faster the diffusion rate, and vice versa.
Choice C rationale: Concentration gradient affects the rate of diffusion because it is the difference in concentration of the diffusing molecules between two regions. The higher the concentration gradient, the faster the diffusion rate, and vice versa.
Choice D rationale: Membrane permeability affects the rate of diffusion because it is the ability of the membrane to allow the diffusing molecules to pass through it. The more permeable the membrane, the faster the diffusion rate, and vice versa.
Choice E rationale: pH affects the rate of diffusion because it is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of the medium. pH can affect the charge and shape of the diffusing molecules, which can affect their ability to cross the membrane or interact with the molecules of the medium. pH can also affect the membrane permeability by altering the charge and shape of the membrane proteins.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Tonicity is the ability of a solution to cause water movement across a semi-permeable membrane, such as the cell membrane. In the lab, tonicity can be tested by observing the effects of different solutions on cells, such as red blood cells or plant cells. However, the items that have been contaminated with blood, such as slides, pipettes, or gloves, cannot be thrown away in the regular trash can, because they pose a biohazard risk. Biohazardous waste is any material that contains or has been exposed to infectious agents, such as blood, bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Biohazardous waste must be handled and disposed of according to specific safety protocols, such as using autoclaves, incinerators, or biohazard bags. Therefore, after testing tonicity in the lab, the items that have been contaminated with blood cannot be disposed of in the trash can.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Eukaryotes is incorrect because eukaryotes are organisms that have cells with a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, such as animals, plants, fungi, and protists. Some eukaryotes, such as protists, are microscopic and require microscopy to be studied, but others, such as animals and plants, are macroscopic and can be seen with the naked eye.
Choice B rationale: Fungi is incorrect because fungi are a group of eukaryotic organisms that include mushrooms, molds, yeasts, and lichens. Some fungi, such as yeasts and molds, are microscopic and require microscopy to be studied, but others, such as mushrooms and lichens, are macroscopic and can be seen with the naked eye.
Choice C rationale: Prokaryotes is correct because prokaryotes are organisms that have cells without a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles, such as bacteria and archaea. All prokaryotes are microscopic and require microscopy to be studied. Prokaryotes are the smallest and most abundant living organisms on Earth.
Choice D rationale: Plants is incorrect because plants are a group of eukaryotic organisms that have cells with a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole, such as mosses, ferns, and flowering plants. Some plants, such as mosses and algae, are microscopic and require microscopy to be studied, but others, such as ferns and flowering plants, are macroscopic and can be seen with the naked eye.
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