Multiple Choice
Which of the following describes the diffusion of water across a membrane?
9. Transport Across Membranes
Passive Transport: Diffusion and Osmosis
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Isotonic is a term that describes what?
A
The cytoplasmic side of a membrane has a higher solute concentration
B
The extracellular side of a membrane has a higher solute concentration
C
Both sides of a membrane have equal solute concentrations
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the term 'isotonic': In cell biology, 'isotonic' refers to a situation where two solutions have the same solute concentration.
Consider the context of a cell membrane: The term 'isotonic' is often used to describe the relationship between the solute concentrations inside the cell (cytoplasmic side) and outside the cell (extracellular side).
Analyze the options given: The first option suggests a higher solute concentration inside the cell, which would be a hypertonic condition. The second option suggests a higher solute concentration outside the cell, which would be a hypotonic condition.
Identify the correct condition for isotonic: For a solution to be isotonic, the solute concentration must be equal on both sides of the membrane, meaning there is no net movement of water across the membrane.
Conclude with the correct understanding: Therefore, the correct description of an isotonic condition is when both sides of a membrane have equal solute concentrations.
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