hard · MCAT bio-biochem
In a tissue culture experiment, cells are placed in a hypertonic solution relative to their cytosol, and researchers simultaneously monitor cell volume and the activity of aquaporin channels already embedded in the plasma membrane.
Which of the following best describes the immediate movement of water and the underlying reason for it?
- Water moves out of the cell down its own concentration gradient, so the cell shrinks immediately.
- Water moves into the cell because solutes are actively pumped inward to balance the gradient.
- No net water movement occurs until aquaporins are synthesized and inserted into the membrane.
- Water moves out of the cell only through active transport requiring ATP hydrolysis by aquaporins.
Sign up free to see the explanation and track your rank →
More MCAT bio-biochem practice
- What genetic term describes a single gene influencing multiple seemingly unrelated traits?
- In the human ear, sound waves cause fluid in the cochlea to… — Which cells are responsible
- An electrophysiologist observes a neuron at its resting memb… — Which ion is primarily res
- Which structure is most likely dysfunctional?
- Which organelle would you expect to be exceptionally well-developed in these cells?
- Which molecule acts as a 'fluidity buffer' in animal cell membranes?
- A scientist is tracking the movement of a secreted protein. If the protein has just left t
- A molecule moves into a cell against its concentration gradient using energy provided by a