Homeostasis

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GED Science › Homeostasis

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1

If a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, water will move __________.

out of the cell

into the cell

in and out of the cell at the same rate

nowhere, the water will not move at all

into the cell membrane

Explanation

In a hypertonic solution, the cell has a greater concentration of water molecules inside it than the solution does. Because of this, the water will move out of the cell in an effort to balance the concentration of water molecules both inside and outside of the cell.

2

Water will diffuse across a cell membrane in an attempt to equalize concentrations of certain molecules inside and outside of the cell.

Which type of cell membrane transport is it when water moves across the cell membrane?

All of these are correct

Passive transport

Osmosis

Diffusion

Explanation

Water can pass through the cell membrane without using energy. We call this passive transport. Diffusion is a type of passive transport and osmosis is specifically the diffusion of water molecules. So all of the answers are correct.

3

What is the substance surrounding living tissue cells referred to?

Interstitial fluid

Plasma

Blood

Water

Cerebrospinal fluid

Explanation

Interstitial fluid is the substance surrounding living tissue cells, its solute concentration is critical to the maintenance of homeostasis for the cells. Cells may have to spend valuable energy to keep unwanted materials from passing through their semi-permeable membranes in some conditions.

4

What is the transport process in which cells dispose of undigested waste or other substances via membrane enclosed vesicles?

Exocytosis

Endocytosis

Facilitated diffusion

Osmosis

Passive transport

Explanation

Exocytosis is the transport of waste materials or secretions from the cells. These molecules are packaged in membrane bound vesicles and are released across the membrane to the outside of the cell.

5

If a blood cell is in a hypertonic solution it will __________.

contract from losing water

expand from taking in water

stay the same size

contract from losing oxygen

expand from losing oxygen

Explanation

A hypertonic solution is a solution that has a higher solute concentration than the fluid in the interior of the cell (the cytoplasm). When the cell is placed in this solution water will flow out of the cell via osmosis, causing it to contract.

6

Which of the following types of transport across a cell plasma membrane requires energy?

Active transport

Osmosis

Simple diffusion

Facilitated diffusion

Passive transport

Explanation

Active transport is the movement of individual small molecules across the plasma membrane against their concentration gradient (from lower concentration to higher concentration). This is usually accomplished by proteins embedded in the membrane which use ATP energy to act as "pumps".

In contrast, osmosis, simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion are all forms of passive transport and do not require additional energy from the cell. These transport methods move with the concentration gradient, rather than against.

7

Which of the following statements about homeostasis is correct?

Negative feedback is designed to maintain homeostasis

Positive feedback is designed to maintain homeostasis

Both positive and negative feedback are designed to maintain homeostasis

Once a cell deviates from equilibrium it cannot be restored and must be destroyed

Once a cell deviates from equilibrium it can be restored only if the right hormone is present

Explanation

Homeostasis describes the resistance of the body to change and serves to reinforce equilibrium. Concentration of ions and water in the blood and regulation of body temperature are examples of homeostatic regulation. These processes must be tightly regulated and maintained in order for the body to operate.

Negative feedback reinforces equilibrium and plays a key role in homeostasis. In a negative feedback system, deviations from equilibrium trigger processes that serve to return the body back to equilibrium. In contrast, a positive feedback system will respond to deviations from equilibrium by enhancing the changes, deviating farther and farther from the equilibrium state.

Hormones can play a key role in maintaining homeostasis, but many other molecules also help return the body to equilibrium.

8

If a cell is placed into a hypertonic (concentrated) solution, in which direction will water flow?

Water will flow out of the cell

Water will flow into the cell

Water will flow into the cell at the same rate it flows out of the cell (steady state equilibrium)

Ions will flow out of the cell, but water will not move into or out of the cell

Ions will flow into the cell, but water will not move into or out of the cell

Explanation

A hypertonic solution will have a higher solute concentration than the cell. To reach equilibrium, water must flow so that the concentration fo the solution is equal to the concentration of the cell. In order for this to happen, water must enter the solution, diluting it and reducing the concentration. Water will flow out of the cell and into the solution.

Note that the membrane of the cell will prevent ions from crossing.

9

Cell membranes are selectively permeable—they regulate the flow of materials into and out of the cell via transport.

What is true about active transport?

Energy is required.

No energy is required.

Molecules always move from high to low concentrations.

It includes diffusion and osmosis.

Only fat-soluble molecules can undergo active transport.

Explanation

Active transport always requires energy since molecules are being pumped against their concentration gradients by being transported from areas of low concentration to areas of high concentration. Osmosis and diffusion are examples of passive transport and do not require energy.

10

Which of the following factors does not affect the diffusion of molecules across the cell membrane?

The size of the molecule

Whether the cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic

The presence of a cell wall

The presence of carbon in the molecule

The presence of hydrogen in the molecule

Explanation

The plasma membrane of the cell acts as a semi-permeable barrier, regulating what can enter and exit the cell. Only small, nonpolar molecules are able to cross the membrane via diffusion, without the assistance of protein channels. Larger molecules will be blocked, as will molecules that are charged or polar.

This principle is true for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and is not affected by the presence of a cell wall. Virtually all organic molecules contain carbon and hydrogen; the presence of these atoms will not affect the molecule's ability to cross the membrane.

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