Which strategy is paired with an appropriate consequence that would enable a cell to maintain homeostasis when placed in a vessel of pure water?
A) Reduce the number of aquaporins in the cell membrane to stop water from moving out of the cytoplasm and into the external environment.
B) Decrease the movement of salts out of the cytoplasm to stop water from moving into the cytoplasm.
C) Expend energy to pump water out of the cytoplasm and into the external environment as the internal fluid levels become too high.
D) Expend energy to pump salts into the cytoplasm from the external environment as the cytoplasm swells from water moving in by osmosis.
E) Allow water to diffuse across the cell membrane until equilibrium is reached.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a cell is placed in pure water, water will tend to move into the cell by osmosis, causing the cell to swell and potentially burst. In order to maintain homeostasis, the cell must expend energy to pump water out of the cytoplasm and into the external environment as the internal fluid levels become too high. This is the strategy paired with an appropriate consequence that enable a cell to maintain homeostasis when placed in a vessel of pure water.

A would further exacerbate the problem by reducing the movement of water out of the cell, causing it to swell even more.

B is the opposite of what should occur in this situation, as increasing the movement of salts out of the cytoplasm would only cause more water to move into the cell.

D is also incorrect, as pumping more salts into the cell would increase the overall solute concentration inside the cell, causing more water to move in by osmosis.

E would result in the cell continuing to take in water until it burst, so it is not a viable option for maintaining homeostasis.

Which Strategy Is Paired with an Appropriate Consequence That Would