Q: Which equation correctly represents Fick's Law of Diffusion for the rate of diffusion across a membrane?

$$Rate = (Surface\ Area) \times (Concentration\ Gradient) \times (Membrane\ Permeability)$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between homeostasis and equilibrium in the context of body fluid compartments?

Accepted Answer

Homeostasis refers to a dynamic balance maintained by physiological processes, while equilibrium is a static state with no net movement of substances.

Question 2

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What will happen to the cell, and why?

Accepted Answer

It will swell and potentially burst because water moves into the cell by osmosis.

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents Fick's Law of Diffusion for the rate of diffusion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$Rate = (Surface\ Area) 	imes (Concentration\ Gradient) 	imes (Membrane\ Permeability)$$

Question 4

Which type of membrane transport requires direct use of ATP as its energy source?

Accepted Answer

Primary active transport

Question 5

A patient’s neurons are unable to maintain their resting membrane potential. Which ion movement is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Active transport of $$Na^+$$ and $$K^+$$ via the sodium-potassium pump

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

Sodium-glucose symporter ($$Na^+$$/$$Glucose$$ SGLT)

Question 7

What is the major difference between channel proteins and carrier proteins in facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Channel proteins form open pores for rapid movement, while carrier proteins undergo conformational changes to transport molecules.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the process of exocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane to release their contents outside the cell.

Question 9

A cell is placed in an isotonic solution. What will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

There will be no net movement of water, and the cell will remain unchanged.

Question 10

Which of the following factors would increase the rate of diffusion across a cell membrane according to Fick’s Law?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the surface area of the membrane

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the Nernst equation and its application in physiology?

Accepted Answer

It calculates the equilibrium potential for an ion based on its concentration gradient across the membrane.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

It requires direct input of cellular energy (ATP).

Question 13

A cell uses endocytosis to take in large molecules. Which of the following best describes this process?

Accepted Answer

The cell membrane engulfs extracellular material, forming a vesicle that brings it into the cell.

Question 14

Which of the following transport mechanisms is most important for glucose uptake in intestinal epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

Sodium-glucose symporter (secondary active transport)

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the sodium-potassium pump is correct?

Accepted Answer

It moves $$3\ Na^+$$ out of the cell and $$2\ K^+$$ into the cell per ATP hydrolyzed.

Question 16

Which of the following would most likely occur if a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution?

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose water and shrink due to osmosis.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of an antiporter in secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

Na+/Ca2+ exchanger

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the cell membrane can separate electrical charges in the body?

Accepted Answer

The lipid bilayer is impermeable to ions, allowing charge separation across the membrane.

Question 19

Which of the following is true regarding the movement of water during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Water moves from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes transcytosis?

Accepted Answer

Transport of macromolecules across a cell by sequential endocytosis and exocytosis.

Cell Membrane Transport and Homeostasis: Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

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