Cells A and B are the same size, shape, and temperature, but cell A is metabolically less active than cell B, and cell B is actively converting oxygen to water in cellular respiration. Oxygen will diffuse more rapidly into cell __________ because __________.

• A. A; the concentration gradient there is shallower
• B. A; its membrane transport proteins will not be saturated
• C. B; the oxygen molecules inside cell B have a higher kinetic energy
• D. B; the gradient of oxygen is oriented in the opposite direction compared to cell A
• E. B; the diffusion gradient in cell B is steeper

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of diffusion: Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. The rate of diffusion is influenced by the concentration gradient, which is the difference in concentration between two areas.
2. Identify the metabolic activity: Cell B is more metabolically active than cell A, meaning it is using more oxygen for cellular respiration. This results in a lower concentration of oxygen inside cell B compared to cell A.
3. Analyze the concentration gradient: Since cell B is actively converting oxygen to water, the concentration of oxygen inside cell B is lower than outside, creating a steeper concentration gradient compared to cell A.
4. Relate the concentration gradient to diffusion rate: A steeper concentration gradient results in a faster rate of diffusion. Therefore, oxygen will diffuse more rapidly into cell B because the concentration gradient is steeper.
5. Conclude with the correct choice: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is that oxygen will diffuse more rapidly into cell B because the diffusion gradient in cell B is steeper.