Cell Transport Quizizz

What is the main function of the cell membrane in maintaining homeostasis?

• Producing energy for the cell

• Controlling movement of things in and out of the cell

• Storing genetic information

• Breaking down waste products

Answer explanation

The main function of the cell membrane in maintaining homeostasis is controlling the movement of things in and out of the cell. This selective permeability helps regulate internal conditions, ensuring the cell functions properly.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

Which term describes the cell membrane’s ability to allow some substances to pass while blocking others?

• Completely permeable

• Selectively permeable

• Impermeable

• Semi-solid

Answer explanation

The term 'selectively permeable' describes the cell membrane's ability to allow certain substances to pass through while blocking others, making it crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Which type of molecules can pass easily through the cell membrane?

• Large, polar molecules

• Small, nonpolar molecules

• Proteins only

• DNA molecules

Answer explanation

Small, nonpolar molecules can easily pass through the cell membrane due to their size and lack of charge, allowing them to diffuse through the lipid bilayer. In contrast, large or polar molecules cannot pass as easily.

Which of the following best describes a solution?

• A single pure substance

• A uniform mixture of two or more substances

• A solid and a gas only

• Only water and sugar

Answer explanation

A solution is best described as a uniform mixture of two or more substances, where the components are evenly distributed. This definition excludes single pure substances and specific combinations like only water and sugar.

Why can’t polar and/or large molecules pass easily through the cell membrane?

• They are too small

• The membrane is hydrophobic and nonpolar

• They are neutral

• They are always needed inside the cell

Answer explanation

Polar and large molecules cannot easily pass through the cell membrane because it is hydrophobic and nonpolar, which repels these types of molecules, making it difficult for them to cross.

What does equilibrium mean in the context of diffusion?

• Molecules are only on one side of the membrane

• Molecules are equally concentrated on both sides of the membrane

• Molecules stop moving entirely

• Molecules move from low to high concentration

Answer explanation

In diffusion, equilibrium means that molecules are equally concentrated on both sides of the membrane. This state occurs when the movement of molecules in both directions is balanced, resulting in no net change in concentration.

What is osmosis?

• The diffusion of proteins across the membrane

• The simple diffusion of water across the cell membrane

• The active transport of ions

• The movement of glucose into the cell

Answer explanation

Osmosis is specifically the simple diffusion of water across a cell membrane. It is a passive process that allows water to move from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration.

What happens to a cell placed in a hypertonic solution?

• It swells

• It shrivels

• It bursts

• It stays the same

Answer explanation

A cell in a hypertonic solution loses water to the surrounding environment, causing it to shrivel. This occurs because the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than inside, leading to water moving out.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

What happens to a cell placed in a hypotonic solution?

• It shrivels

• It swells

• It stays the same

• It bursts immediately

Answer explanation

In a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than inside. Water moves into the cell, causing it to swell as it tries to balance the solute concentrations.

A cell is placed in a solution and does not change in size. What type of solution is it in?

• Hypertonic

• Hypotonic

• Isotonic

• Supersaturated

Answer explanation

A cell remains the same size in an isotonic solution because the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.