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Multiple Choice
Which of the following enables a cell to pick up and concentrate a specific kind of molecule?
A
Passive transport
B
Facilitated diffusion
C
Osmosis
D
Channel proteins
E
Receptor-mediated endocytosis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of receptor-mediated endocytosis: It is a cellular process in which cells absorb metabolites, hormones, proteins, and in some cases, viruses, by the inward budding of the plasma membrane. This process is highly specific and involves receptor proteins on the cell surface that bind to specific molecules (ligands).
Compare receptor-mediated endocytosis with other transport mechanisms: Passive transport, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, and channel proteins do not involve the specific binding of molecules to receptors. They generally allow molecules to move across the cell membrane based on concentration gradients or through specific channels without the specificity of receptor binding.
Identify the role of receptors: In receptor-mediated endocytosis, receptors on the cell surface recognize and bind to specific molecules outside the cell. This binding triggers the invagination of the cell membrane to form a vesicle that brings the molecule into the cell.
Consider the concentration aspect: Receptor-mediated endocytosis allows cells to concentrate specific molecules from the extracellular environment, even if they are present in low concentrations, by using the specificity of receptor-ligand interactions.
Conclude why receptor-mediated endocytosis is the correct answer: This process is unique in its ability to selectively concentrate and internalize specific molecules, unlike the other options listed, which do not provide the same level of specificity and concentration capability.