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Chapter 4: Problem 8

Assuming that only impermeant solutes are present, which of the following will occur when a cell is placed in a solution whose osmolarity is \(200 \mathrm{mOsm}\) ? a) Water will move into the cell. b) Water will move out of the cell. c) Water will not cross the cell membrane.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Water will move into the cell (option a).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Osmosis and Osmolarity

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. Osmolarity refers to the number of osmoles of solute per liter of solution. The higher the osmolarity, the more solutes are present in the solution.
02

Analyzing Cell Environment and Solution

A typical cell has an internal osmolarity around 300 mOsm. When a cell is placed in a solution with lower osmolarity, such as 200 mOsm, the external solution is hypotonic relative to the cell's internal environment.
03

Determining Water Movement Direction

Because the surrounding solution has a lower osmolarity than the inside of the cell (200 mOsm compared to the cell's 300 mOsm), water will move from the solution into the cell. This is due to the osmotic gradient, with water moving towards the higher solute concentration inside the cell.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Osmolarity
Osmolarity is a fundamental concept in understanding how water moves through and around cells. It measures the concentration of solutes in a solution, expressed as osmoles per liter (\( ext{mOsm/L}\)). The more solute particles a solution contains, the higher its osmolarity.
In biological systems, osmolarity plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular function and the balance of fluids. Cells must regulate their internal osmolarity to avoid excessive swelling or shrinking.
  • High osmolarity: Indicative of a concentrated solution with many solute particles.
  • Low osmolarity: Signifies a dilute solution with fewer solute particles.
When a cell is placed in a solution, the difference in osmolarity between the cell's interior and the surrounding fluid influences water movement. This natural flow is guided by osmosis, seeking equilibrium by adjusting water levels.
Hypotonic Solution
In a hypotonic solution, the external solute concentration is lower than inside the cell. This difference in concentration creates a gradient due to which water will move into the cell.
This movement is driven by osmosis, where water travels across the semi-permeable membrane into the cell, aiming to equalize solute concentration both inside and outside.
  • Cell response: Absorbs water and may swell.
  • Importance: Organisms need mechanisms to manage water inflow to prevent cell bursting, especially in freshwater environments.
Hypotonic solutions are crucial in laboratory settings and medical treatments where controlling cellular hydration is necessary.
Semi-permeable Membrane
A semi-permeable membrane is a crucial structure in cells, allowing selective passage of substances. It acts like a filter, permitting water molecules and some solutes to pass while blocking others, maintaining cellular integrity.
This barrier is essential for osmosis, facilitating water movement while preventing solute passage, unless through specific transport proteins.
  • Structure: Comprised primarily of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
  • Functionality: Ensures that only necessary substances enter or leave the cell.
A semi-permeable membrane supports maintaining homeostasis within the cell, balancing solute concentrations efficiently.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

If a certain anion is located in greater concentration inside the cell and a negative membrane potential exists, then which of the following statements is true? a) The electrical force on the anion tries to move it into the cell. b) The chemical force on the anion tries to move it into the cell. c) The equilibrium potential for the anion is a positive value. d) Both a and c are correct. e) All of the above are correct.

Assuming that a substance is uncharged and is transported across a membrane by carriers, the net flux of that substance will tend to increase as a) The membrane surface area decreases. b) The magnitude of the concentration gradient decreases. c) The membrane potential becomes more positive. d) The number of carriers in the membrane increases. e) All of the above.

Which of the following molecules would be most likely to cross the lipid bilayer by simple diffusion? a) A small polar molecule b) A large polar molecule c) A small nonpolar molecule d) A large nonpolar molecule

Given that the potassium equilibrium potential is \(-94 \mathrm{mV}\) and the sodium equilibrium potential is \(+60 \mathrm{mV}\), which of the following statements is true for forces acting on sodium and potassium when a cell is at \(-70 \mathrm{mV}\) ? a) The electrochemical gradient for \(\mathrm{Na}^{+}\) tries to move it into the cell b) The electrochemical gradient for \(\mathrm{K}^{+}\) tries to move it into the cell c) Both a and b are correct. d) Neither a nor b is correct.

Ion channels can be regulated to open or close, changing the permeability of the membrane to a specific ion. Assume that a cell at a membrane potential of \(-70 \mathrm{mV}\) has few open sodium channels. Knowing that the equilibrium potential for sodium is \(+60 \mathrm{mV}\), predict what would happen to the membrane potential if many sodium channels suddenly went from a closed state to an open state. Explain your answer.
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