Question
Lysosomes digest food particles brought into a cell by endocytosis. After a vesicle containing food particles fuses with a lysosome, \(H^+\) ions are transported into the lysosome from the cytosol. This significantly lowers the pH
of the lysosome relative to the cytosol and activates the enzymes that digest the particles.
Which of the following best predicts what will happen to the lysosomal enzymes if the proteins that transport \(H^+\)
ions from the cytosol into the lysosome are damaged?
A. The lysosomal enzymes will not become active, since there will be no active transport of \(H^+\) ions.
B. The lysosomal enzymes will not become active, since \(H^+\) ions will diffuse out of the lysosome.
C. The lysosomal enzymes will become active, since facilitated diffusion will move \(H^+\) ions into the lysosome.
D. The lysosomal enzymes will become active, since passive diffusion will move \(H^+\) ions into the lysosome.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: A
Since the pH of the lysosome has to become lower than that of the cytosol, active transport is needed to move \(H^+\) ions into the lysosome, against the \(H^+\) ion concentration gradient, to activate the enzymes.
Question
Which of the following transport mechanisms will be affected most directly by a temporary shortage of ATP molecules inside the cell?
A. The movement of water molecules through aquaporins
B. The diffusion of oxygen molecules across the plasma membrane
C. The transport of glucose molecules against a concentration gradient
D. The facilitated diffusion of \(Ca^{2+}\) ions into the cell
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: C
The active transport of glucose molecules against a concentration gradient requires an input of energy. Biological processes that require an input of energy typically incorporate the hydrolysis of ATP, an energy-rich molecule.
Question
Some membrane proteins help maintain the concentrations of ions inside a cell by transporting the ions across the cell’s plasma membrane. Other membrane proteins form pores in the plasma membrane through which the ions can diffuse. A model showing the influence of membrane proteins on the movement of sodium (\(Na^+\)) and potassium (\(K^+\)) ions across a plasma membrane is presented in Figure 1.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: B
Without ATP, the \(Na^+\) ions will continue to leak into the cell but will not be pumped out of the cell, resulting in a concentration increase inside the cell.
Question
The illustration shows the active transport of hydrogen ions through a membrane protein.
A. \(H^+\) ions will stop moving through the protein.
B. \(H^+\) ions will move in the other direction through the protein.
C. \(H^+\) ions will continue to move through the protein in the original direction but at a slower rate.
D. \(H^+\) ions will begin to move through the phospholipid portion of the membrane in the original direction.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: A
Metabolic energy such as ATP is required for active transport of ions against a concentration gradient.
Question
Which statement best describes the effect on water transport across the cell membrane if the aquaporin in the figure ceases to function?
A. Water molecules will no longer be able to move across the cell membrane.
B. Water molecules will still be able to move across the cell membrane but at a slower rate.
C. Water molecules will only be able to enter the cell by active transport.
D. Water molecules will move across the cell membrane at a faster rate without the aquaporin regulating their flow.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: B
The aquaporin facilitates water passage, but water can still move across the membrane by osmosis.