Which variables affect the rate of diffusion? (Select all that apply.)
Density of media
Size of molecules
Concentration gradient
Membrane permeability
pH
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E
Choice A rationale: Density of media affects the rate of diffusion because it influences the frequency of collisions between the diffusing molecules and the molecules of the medium. The denser the medium, the slower the diffusion rate, and vice versa.
Choice B rationale: Size of molecules affects the rate of diffusion because it determines how easily the molecules can move through the spaces between the molecules of the medium. The smaller the molecules, the faster the diffusion rate, and vice versa.
Choice C rationale: Concentration gradient affects the rate of diffusion because it is the difference in concentration of the diffusing molecules between two regions. The higher the concentration gradient, the faster the diffusion rate, and vice versa.
Choice D rationale: Membrane permeability affects the rate of diffusion because it is the ability of the membrane to allow the diffusing molecules to pass through it. The more permeable the membrane, the faster the diffusion rate, and vice versa.
Choice E rationale: pH affects the rate of diffusion because it is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of the medium. pH can affect the charge and shape of the diffusing molecules, which can affect their ability to cross the membrane or interact with the molecules of the medium. pH can also affect the membrane permeability by altering the charge and shape of the membrane proteins.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C"}
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Osmotic is incorrect because osmotic is an adjective that describes the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, not a type of solution. Osmosis is the process by which water moves from a region of high water concentration to a region of low water concentration.
Choice B rationale: Isotonic is incorrect because isotonic is a type of solution that has the same concentration of water as the cell placed in the solution. In an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water across the cell membrane.
Choice C rationale: Hypertonic is correct because hypertonic is a type of solution that has a lower concentration of water than the cell placed in the solution. In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell and into the solution by osmosis, causing the cell to shrink.
Choice D rationale: Diffusive is incorrect because diffusive is an adjective that describes the movement of molecules from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration, not a type of solution. Diffusion is the process by which molecules move across a membrane or a space due to their random motion.
Choice E rationale: Hypotonic is incorrect because hypotonic is a type of solution that has a higher concentration of water than the cell placed in the solution. In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell and out of the solution by osmosis, causing the cell to swell.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Diffusion is correct because it is the passive movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Small lipid soluble molecules can easily cross the plasma membrane by diffusing through the hydrophobic core of the phospholipid bilayer.
Choice B rationale: Filtration is incorrect because it is the process of separating solid particles from a fluid by passing it through a porous medium. Filtration does not involve the plasma membrane, and it does not depend on the solubility of the molecules.
Choice C rationale: Osmosis is incorrect because it is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane. Osmosis does not apply to lipid soluble molecules, which are not water molecules.
Choice D rationale: Active transport is incorrect because it is the movement of molecules across a membrane against their concentration gradient, which requires energy and transport proteins. Active transport does not depend on the solubility of the molecules, and it is not a passive process.
Choice E rationale: Pumping is incorrect because it is a type of active transport that involves the use of specific pumps to move ions or molecules across a membrane. Pumping does not apply to lipid soluble molecules, which are not ions or polar molecules.
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