1.4 Membrane transport

Description

Nature of science:
Experimental design—accurate quantitative measurement in osmosis experiments are essential. (3.1)

Understandings:

Particles move across membranes by simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
The fluidity of membranes allows materials to be taken into cells by endocytosis or released by exocytosis. Vesicles move materials within cells.

Applications and skills:

Application: Structure and function of sodium–potassium pumps for active transport and potassium channels for facilitated diffusion in axons.
Application: Tissues or organs to be used in medical procedures must be bathed in a solution with the same osmolarity as the cytoplasm to prevent osmosis.
Skill: Estimation of osmolarity in tissues by bathing samples in hypotonic and hypertonic solutions. (Practical 2)

Guidance:

Osmosis experiments are a useful opportunity to stress the need for accurate mass and volume measurements in scientific experiments.

Utilization:

Kidney dialysis artificially mimics the function of the human kidney by using appropriate membranes and diffusion gradients.

Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
Biology
Topic 6.5 Neurons and synapses
Aims:

Aim 8: Organ donation raises some interesting ethical issues, including the altruistic nature of organ donation and concerns about sale of human organs.
Aim 6: Dialysis tubing experiments can act as a model of membrane action. Experiments with potato, beetroot or single-celled algae can be used to investigate real membranes.

Directly related questions

17N.1.SL.TZ0.24: Dialysis membrane was set up to model digestion and absorption in the small intestine. What is...
17N.1.SL.TZ0.24: Dialysis membrane was set up to model digestion and absorption in the small intestine. What is...
17N.1.SL.TZ0.03: The salt concentration inside an animal cell is 1.8 %. The salt concentration in the surrounding...
17N.2.HL.TZ0.01d.i:
Analyse the graph to obtain two conclusions about the concentration of sodium–potassium pumps.
17N.1.SL.TZ0.03: The salt concentration inside an animal cell is 1.8 %. The salt concentration in the surrounding...
17N.2.HL.TZ0.01d.i:
Analyse the graph to obtain two conclusions about the concentration of sodium–potassium pumps.
17N.2.HL.TZ0.d.i:
Analyse the graph to obtain two conclusions about the concentration of sodium–potassium pumps.
17N.2.HL.TZ0.01d.ii:
Muscle fibres are stimulated to contract by the binding of acetylcholine to receptors in their membranes and the subsequent depolarization.

Suggest a reason for increasing the concentration of sodium–potassium pumps in the membranes of diaphragm muscle fibres.
17N.1.HL.TZ0.02: The salt concentration inside the Paramecium is 1.8 %. The salt concentration in the surrounding...
17N.2.HL.TZ0.01d.ii:
Muscle fibres are stimulated to contract by the binding of acetylcholine to receptors in their membranes and the subsequent depolarization.

Suggest a reason for increasing the concentration of sodium–potassium pumps in the membranes of diaphragm muscle fibres.
17N.2.HL.TZ0.d.ii:
Muscle fibres are stimulated to contract by the binding of acetylcholine to receptors in their membranes and the subsequent depolarization.

Suggest a reason for increasing the concentration of sodium–potassium pumps in the membranes of diaphragm muscle fibres.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.1a:
Data was collected on rabbit red blood cells that were exposed to sodium chloride (NaCl) and scorpion venom. Under some osmotic conditions red blood cells swell and burst, releasing hemoglobin (hemolysis). The graph shows the response of red blood cells to different concentrations of sodium chloride, with and without scorpion venom.

[Source: Adapted from Mirakabadi A Z, et al., (2006), J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis., 12 (1), pages 67–77 (London: BioMed Central)]

Outline the effect of the venom on the hemolysis of red blood cells.
17N.1.HL.TZ0.02: The salt concentration inside the Paramecium is 1.8 %. The salt concentration in the surrounding...
18M.1.SL.TZ1.3: How does potassium move across the membrane of a neuron during repolarization? A. Simple...
18M.1.SL.TZ1.3: How does potassium move across the membrane of a neuron during repolarization? A. Simple...
18M.1.SL.TZ1.29: Neural pathways in living brains can now be mapped by tracking the movement of water molecules...
18M.1.SL.TZ1.29: Neural pathways in living brains can now be mapped by tracking the movement of water molecules...
18M.3.HL.TZ1.1a:
Data was collected on rabbit red blood cells that were exposed to sodium chloride (NaCl) and scorpion venom. Under some osmotic conditions red blood cells swell and burst, releasing hemoglobin (hemolysis). The graph shows the response of red blood cells to different concentrations of sodium chloride, with and without scorpion venom.

[Source: Adapted from Mirakabadi A Z, et al., (2006), J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis., 12 (1), pages 67–77 (London: BioMed Central)]

Outline the effect of the venom on the hemolysis of red blood cells.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.1b :
Describe how the variables would be controlled in an experiment to estimate the osmolarity of plant tissue.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.a:
Data was collected on rabbit red blood cells that were exposed to sodium chloride (NaCl) and scorpion venom. Under some osmotic conditions red blood cells swell and burst, releasing hemoglobin (hemolysis). The graph shows the response of red blood cells to different concentrations of sodium chloride, with and without scorpion venom.

[Source: Adapted from Mirakabadi A Z, et al., (2006), J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis., 12 (1), pages 67–77 (London: BioMed Central)]

Outline the effect of the venom on the hemolysis of red blood cells.
18M.1.HL.TZ2.4: Which type of transportation happens in the sodium–potassium pump? A. Facilitated diffusion B....
18M.3.HL.TZ1.1b:
Describe how the variables would be controlled in an experiment to estimate the osmolarity of plant tissue.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.b:
Describe how the variables would be controlled in an experiment to estimate the osmolarity of plant tissue.
18M.1.HL.TZ2.4: Which type of transportation happens in the sodium–potassium pump? A. Facilitated diffusion B....
18N.2.HL.TZ0.6a: Calcium is absorbed from food in the human gut by both active and passive processes. Outline...
18N.2.HL.TZ0.6a: Calcium is absorbed from food in the human gut by both active and passive processes. Outline...
18N.2.HL.TZ0.a: Calcium is absorbed from food in the human gut by both active and passive processes. Outline...
19M.1.SL.TZ1.4:
Which process(es) occur(s) by osmosis?

I. Uptake of water by cells in the wall of the intestine

II. Loss of water from a plant cell in a hypertonic environment

III. Evaporation of water from sweat on the skin surface

A. I only

B. I and II only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III
19M.1.SL.TZ1.4:
Which process(es) occur(s) by osmosis?

I. Uptake of water by cells in the wall of the intestine

II. Loss of water from a plant cell in a hypertonic environment

III. Evaporation of water from sweat on the skin surface

A. I only

B. I and II only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III
19M.1.SL.TZ2.5:
The table shows concentrations of potassium ions and sodium ions inside and outside human cells.

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2019]

What explains these concentrations?

A. Potassium ions diffuse in and sodium ions diffuse out.

B. Sodium ions diffuse in and potassium ions diffuse out.

C. Active transport pumps sodium ions in and potassium ions out.

D. Active transport pumps sodium ions out and potassium ions in.
19M.2.SL.TZ2.5a: Outline four types of membrane transport, including their use of energy.
19M.1.SL.TZ2.5:
The table shows concentrations of potassium ions and sodium ions inside and outside human cells.

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2019]

What explains these concentrations?

A. Potassium ions diffuse in and sodium ions diffuse out.

B. Sodium ions diffuse in and potassium ions diffuse out.

C. Active transport pumps sodium ions in and potassium ions out.

D. Active transport pumps sodium ions out and potassium ions in.
19M.2.SL.TZ2.5a: Outline four types of membrane transport, including their use of energy.
19M.2.HL.TZ1.6c: Explain how blood solute concentrations are kept within narrow limits in the human body.
19M.2.SL.TZ2.a: Outline four types of membrane transport, including their use of energy.
19M.2.HL.TZ2.6a: Outline four types of membrane transport, including their use of energy.
19M.2.HL.TZ1.6c: Explain how blood solute concentrations are kept within narrow limits in the human body.
19M.2.HL.TZ1.c: Explain how blood solute concentrations are kept within narrow limits in the human body.
19M.2.HL.TZ2.6a: Outline four types of membrane transport, including their use of energy.
19M.2.HL.TZ2.a: Outline four types of membrane transport, including their use of energy.
19N.1.SL.TZ0.2: By which process do potassium ions move through potassium channels in axons? A. Active...
19N.1.SL.TZ0.2: By which process do potassium ions move through potassium channels in axons? A. Active...
19N.3.SL.TZ0.1a:
Using the graph, estimate isotonic sucrose solutions for potato tissue and carrot tissue.

Potato:

Carrot:
19N.3.HL.TZ0.3a: Estimate the solute concentration of the zucchini cells.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.1a:
Using the graph, estimate isotonic sucrose solutions for potato tissue and carrot tissue.

Potato:

Carrot:
19N.3.SL.TZ0.a:
Using the graph, estimate isotonic sucrose solutions for potato tissue and carrot tissue.

Potato:

Carrot:
19N.3.SL.TZ0.1b: Suggest a reason for the difference in the isotonic points for the potato and the carrot tissues.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.3a: Estimate the solute concentration of the zucchini cells.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.1b: Suggest a reason for the difference in the isotonic points for the potato and the carrot tissues.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.b: Suggest a reason for the difference in the isotonic points for the potato and the carrot tissues.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.a: Estimate the solute concentration of the zucchini cells.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.3b: If a zucchini is allowed to dry in the open air, predict how the osmolarity of the zucchini cells...
19N.3.SL.TZ0.1c: From the evidence provided by the graph, evaluate the reliability of these data.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.3b: If a zucchini is allowed to dry in the open air, predict how the osmolarity of the zucchini cells...
19N.3.HL.TZ0.b: If a zucchini is allowed to dry in the open air, predict how the osmolarity of the zucchini cells...
19N.3.HL.TZ0.3c: Explain one reason for calculating the percentage changes in mass.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.3c: Explain one reason for calculating the percentage changes in mass.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.c: Explain one reason for calculating the percentage changes in mass.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.3d: Predict what would happen to a red blood cell placed in distilled water.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.3d: Predict what would happen to a red blood cell placed in distilled water.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.d: Predict what would happen to a red blood cell placed in distilled water.
20N.1.SL.TZ0.4:
The diagram shows a section through a membrane. What are the modes of transport in the diagram?

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.]
20N.1.SL.TZ0.4:
The diagram shows a section through a membrane. What are the modes of transport in the diagram?

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.]
21M.1.HL.TZ1.2: Which process explains the observations shown in the images? A. Active transport B....
21M.1.HL.TZ1.2: Which process explains the observations shown in the images? A. Active transport B....
21M.1.HL.TZ1.3: Which solution has the highest salt concentration? A. The original solution B. Solution 1 C....
21M.1.HL.TZ1.3: Which solution has the highest salt concentration? A. The original solution B. Solution 1 C....
21M.1.SL.TZ2.1:
The diagrams represent cells with the same concentration of dissolved substances in their cytoplasm. If all the cells were placed in the same hypertonic sucrose solution, which cell would show the greatest rate of change in the concentration of its cytoplasm?
21M.1.SL.TZ1.4: A human organ is being prepared for transplant. In what type of solution must it be bathed? A. A...
21M.1.SL.TZ2.1:
The diagrams represent cells with the same concentration of dissolved substances in their cytoplasm. If all the cells were placed in the same hypertonic sucrose solution, which cell would show the greatest rate of change in the concentration of its cytoplasm?
21M.1.SL.TZ1.4: A human organ is being prepared for transplant. In what type of solution must it be bathed? A. A...
21M.1.SL.TZ2.4: Which graph best represents the relationship between the concentration of chloride ions in the...
21M.1.SL.TZ2.4: Which graph best represents the relationship between the concentration of chloride ions in the...
21N.2.SL.TZ0.5b:
Describe transport across cell membranes by osmosis.
21N.1.SL.TZ0.3: How is facilitated diffusion in axons similar to active transport? A. They both require the...
21N.2.SL.TZ0.5b:
Describe transport across cell membranes by osmosis.
21N.1.SL.TZ0.3: How is facilitated diffusion in axons similar to active transport? A. They both require the...
21N.2.SL.TZ0.b:
Describe transport across cell membranes by osmosis.
21N.2.HL.TZ0.3a:
The image shows human red blood cells.

[Source: someoneice/123rf.com.]

Outline what will happen to human red blood cells if transferred to distilled water.
21N.2.HL.TZ0.3a:
The image shows human red blood cells.

[Source: someoneice/123rf.com.]

Outline what will happen to human red blood cells if transferred to distilled water.
21N.2.HL.TZ0.a:
The image shows human red blood cells.

[Source: someoneice/123rf.com.]

Outline what will happen to human red blood cells if transferred to distilled water.
22M.1.SL.TZ1.3: What is/are required for facilitated diffusion? I. A concentration gradient II. ATP III. A...
22M.1.SL.TZ2.3:
In an experiment on osmosis, red blood cells were immersed in a salt solution for two hours. The micrographs show the appearance of these cells before and after immersion in the salt solution.

[Source: Ed Uthman, Acanthocytes, from peripheral blood [image online] Available at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthocyte#/media/File:Acanthocytes,_Peripheral_Blood_(3884092551).jpg
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ Source adapted.]

What explains the observed changes?

A. The salt solution was hypertonic and entered the red blood cells.

B. The salt solution was hypotonic and disrupted the membranes of the red blood cells.

C. The salt solution was hypertonic and water moved into it from the red blood cells.

D. The salt solution was hypotonic and mineral salts were lost from the red blood cells.
22M.1.SL.TZ1.3: What is/are required for facilitated diffusion? I. A concentration gradient II. ATP III. A...
19N.3.SL.TZ0.1c: From the evidence provided by the graph, evaluate the reliability of these data.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.c: From the evidence provided by the graph, evaluate the reliability of these data.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.1d: Explain one reason for calculating the percentage change in mass.
22M.1.HL.TZ2.2:
Red blood cells from a small mammal were immersed in NaCl (sodium chloride) solutions of different concentrations for 2 hours. The graph shows the percentage of hemolysed (ruptured) red blood cells at each concentration.

[Source: Zaidan, T. , de Matos, W. , Machado, É. , Junqueira, T. , Vicentini, S. , Presta, G. and Santos-Filho, S. (2010)
Cellular effects of an aqueous solution of Losartan^® on the survival of Escherichia coli AB1157 in the presence
and absence of SnCl2, and on the physiological property (osmotic fragility) of the erytrocyte. Advances
in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 1, 300–304. doi: 10.4236/abb.2010.14039. Available at https://www.scirp.org/pdf/ABB20100400005_18844979.pdf Licensed under a Creative
Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).]

What can be deduced from the graph?

A. At Y, the net movement of Na ions between red blood cells and the NaCl solutions is zero.

B. At X, Na and Cl ions disrupt the structure of cell membranes.

C. At Y, the hypertonic NaCl solutions diffuse into the red blood cells.

D. At X, water has moved by osmosis into the red blood cells.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.1d: Explain one reason for calculating the percentage change in mass.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.d: Explain one reason for calculating the percentage change in mass.
22M.1.HL.TZ2.2:
Red blood cells from a small mammal were immersed in NaCl (sodium chloride) solutions of different concentrations for 2 hours. The graph shows the percentage of hemolysed (ruptured) red blood cells at each concentration.

[Source: Zaidan, T. , de Matos, W. , Machado, É. , Junqueira, T. , Vicentini, S. , Presta, G. and Santos-Filho, S. (2010)
Cellular effects of an aqueous solution of Losartan^® on the survival of Escherichia coli AB1157 in the presence
and absence of SnCl2, and on the physiological property (osmotic fragility) of the erytrocyte. Advances
in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 1, 300–304. doi: 10.4236/abb.2010.14039. Available at https://www.scirp.org/pdf/ABB20100400005_18844979.pdf Licensed under a Creative
Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).]

What can be deduced from the graph?

A. At Y, the net movement of Na ions between red blood cells and the NaCl solutions is zero.

B. At X, Na and Cl ions disrupt the structure of cell membranes.

C. At Y, the hypertonic NaCl solutions diffuse into the red blood cells.

D. At X, water has moved by osmosis into the red blood cells.
23M.2.HL.TZ1.2a:
Draw one phospholipid molecule on the diagram to show a possible position in the membrane.
23M.2.HL.TZ1.2a:
Draw one phospholipid molecule on the diagram to show a possible position in the membrane.
23M.2.HL.TZ1.a:
Draw one phospholipid molecule on the diagram to show a possible position in the membrane.
23M.2.HL.TZ1.8a:
Explain how vesicles are used by cells to move materials.
23M.2.HL.TZ1.8a:
Explain how vesicles are used by cells to move materials.
23M.2.HL.TZ1.a:
Explain how vesicles are used by cells to move materials.
23M.3.HL.TZ1.23a: State where in the body the blood would be flowing at point X on the graph.
23M.3.HL.TZ1.23a: State where in the body the blood would be flowing at point X on the graph.
23M.3.HL.TZ1.a: State where in the body the blood would be flowing at point X on the graph.
22M.1.SL.TZ2.3:
In an experiment on osmosis, red blood cells were immersed in a salt solution for two hours. The micrographs show the appearance of these cells before and after immersion in the salt solution.

[Source: Ed Uthman, Acanthocytes, from peripheral blood [image online] Available at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthocyte#/media/File:Acanthocytes,_Peripheral_Blood_(3884092551).jpg
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ Source adapted.]

What explains the observed changes?

A. The salt solution was hypertonic and entered the red blood cells.

B. The salt solution was hypotonic and disrupted the membranes of the red blood cells.

C. The salt solution was hypertonic and water moved into it from the red blood cells.

D. The salt solution was hypotonic and mineral salts were lost from the red blood cells.
22M.1.SL.TZ2.7:
Which feature(s) allow(s) transport of glucose in blood plasma?

I. It is hydrophobic.

II. It is polar.

III. Its solubility is low at 37 °C.

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and II only

D. II and III only
22M.1.SL.TZ2.7:
Which feature(s) allow(s) transport of glucose in blood plasma?

I. It is hydrophobic.

II. It is polar.

III. Its solubility is low at 37 °C.

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and II only

D. II and III only
23M.1.HL.TZ2.3: The diagram shows protein channels involved in the passive movement of a substance into the...
23M.1.SL.TZ2.4: The diagram shows protein channels involved in the passive movement of a substance into the...
23M.1.SL.TZ2.4: The diagram shows protein channels involved in the passive movement of a substance into the...
23M.1.HL.TZ2.3: The diagram shows protein channels involved in the passive movement of a substance into the...
23M.1.HL.TZ2.4: What is evidence for the endosymbiotic theory? A. Eukaryote mitochondria contain DNA. B. ...
23M.1.HL.TZ2.4: What is evidence for the endosymbiotic theory? A. Eukaryote mitochondria contain DNA. B. ...
23M.1.SL.TZ1.25:
The light micrograph shows the structure of blood vessels in a muscle.

_{[Source: Calvo, J.L., n.d. [image online] Available at: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/muscular-artery-veinnervebundles-}
_{surrounded-785176687 [Accessed 12 January 2022].]}

Which blood vessel is shown by X?

A. A vein

B. An artery

C. An arteriole

D. A capillary
23M.1.SL.TZ1.25:
The light micrograph shows the structure of blood vessels in a muscle.

_{[Source: Calvo, J.L., n.d. [image online] Available at: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/muscular-artery-veinnervebundles-}
_{surrounded-785176687 [Accessed 12 January 2022].]}

Which blood vessel is shown by X?

A. A vein

B. An artery

C. An arteriole

D. A capillary

Sub sections and their related questions

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1.4 Membrane transport

Description

Directly related questions

Sub sections and their related questions

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