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.
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