Concept explainers
Which of the following would you expect to find in or on cells whose main function is absorption?
a. Microvilli
c. Gap junctions
b. Cilia
d. Secretory vesicles
Introduction:
Cells are the smallest structural and functional unit of life. The cell has many specialized structures that perform specific functions that are required for proper growth and development of an organism.
Answer to Problem 1MC
Correct answer:
The cells specialized to perform absorption have microvilli over their surfaces. These are hair-like structures that increase the surface area of the cells.
Justification for the correct answer:
Option (a) is given that the cells whose main function is absorption have microvilli in or on them. The body organs like intestines and kidneys perform the function of absorption. Thus, the cells of these organs should have large surface area. This is accomplished by the presence of microvilli (hair-like structures) that extend outward from the plasma membrane.
These provide a brush lining and increase the area of absorption of various nutrients. They also perform the secretory function of some factors. Microvilli are generally present in the small intestine, surface of egg cells, and white blood cells. Hence, option (a) is correct.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation for incorrect answers:
Option (b) is given that the cells whose main function is absorption have cilia in or on them. The cilia are specialized structures on the surface of the cells and provide motility to the cell, in case of prokaryotes. In case of eukaryotes, they perform the function of moving the contents of the organs further. So, it is a wrong answer.
Option (c) is given that the cells whose main function is absorption have gap junctions in or on them. Gap junctions mainly function to pass the ions and molecules freely through the cells. They help in establishing an electrical communication between the cells. So, it is a wrong answer.
Option (d) is given that the cells whose main function is absorption have secretory vesicles in or on them. The secretory vesicles mediate the vesicular transport of cargo between different cells, like hormones or neurotransmitters. So, it is a wrong answer.
Hence, options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect.
The cells that are specialized to perform the function of absorption are lined by microvilli.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 3 Solutions
Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th Edition)
- Draw a gram positive bacterial cell below. Your cell should have the following parts, labeled: A coccus shape A capsule The gram positive cell wall should have the peptidoglycan labeled, as well as its component parts (NAM, NAG, and teichoic acid) A cell membrane Fimbriae A nucleoid Ribosomes Inclusionsarrow_forwardwhat rank is above kingdom? order, class, phylum or domainarrow_forwardin the hierarchy of taconomic categories, with kingdom at the top, what taxon is below classarrow_forward
- Do cats fly without wings ?arrow_forwardLuke recently moved to a new apartment and wants to grow houseplants but isn't sure which room will be the best fit for them. Apply your knowledge of the scientific method to recommend a strategy for Luke to follow when determining the ideal location for houseplants in his new apartment.arrow_forwardA farmer has noticed that his soybean plants produce more beans in some years than others. He claims to always apply the same amount of fertilizer to the plants, but he suspects the difference in crop yield may have something to do with the amount of water the crops receive. The farmer has observed that the soybeans on his farm usually receive between 0 to 0.5 inches of water per day, but he is unsure of the optimal average daily amount of water with which to irrigate. 1. State a question that addresses the farmer’s problem 2. Conduct online research on “soybean crop irrigation" and record a brief summary of the findings 3. Construct a testable hypothesis and record i 4. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis and describe the procedures, variables, and data to be collected 5. What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment? What would the control groups be for each of your designed experiments in this exercise? 6. Describe the data that would be recorded in each of the…arrow_forward
- A farmer has noticed that his soybean plants produce more beans in some years than others. He claims to always apply the same amount of fertilizer to the plants, but he suspects the difference in crop yield may have something to do with the amount of water the crops receive. The farmer has observed that the soybeans on his farm usually receive between 0 to 0.5 inches of water per day, but he is unsure of the optimal average daily amount of water with which to irrigate. 1. State a question that addresses the farmer’s problem 2. Conduct online research on “soybean crop irrigation" and record a brief summary of the findings 3. Construct a testable hypothesis and record i 4. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis and describe the procedures, variables, and data to be collectedarrow_forwardA pharmaceutical company has developed a new weight loss drug for adults. Preliminary tests show that the drug seems to be fairly effective in about 75% of test subjects. The drug company thinks that the drug might be most effective in overweight individuals, but they are unsure to whom they should market the product. Use the scientific method to address the pharmaceutical company’s needs: State a research question that addresses the pharmaceutical company's problem Conduct online research on “Body Mass Index” categories and record a brief summary Construct a testable hypothesis and record in Design an experiment to test the hypothesis and describe the procedures, variables, and data to be collected What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment? What would the control groups be for each of your designed experiments in this exercise? Describe the data that would be recorded in each of the experiments you designed. Would it be classified as quantitative or…arrow_forwardPatients with multiple sclerosis frequently suffer from blurred vision. Drug X was developed to reduce blurred vision in healthy patients, but the effectiveness had not been tested on those suffering from multiple sclerosis. A study was conducted to determine if Drug X is effective at reducing blurry vision in multiple sclerosis patients. To be considered effective, a drug must reduce blurred vision by more than 30% in patients. Researchers predicted that a 20 mg dose of the drug would be effective for treating blurred vision in multiple sclerosis patients by reducing blurred vision by more than 30%. Drug X was administered to groups of multiple sclerosis patients at three doses (10 mg/day, 20 mg/day, 30 mg/day) for three weeks. A fourth group of patients was given a placebo containing no drug X for the same length of time. Vision clarity was measured for each patient before and after the three-week period using a standard vision test. The results were analyzed and graphed (See Figure…arrow_forward
- Svp je voulais demander l aide pour mon exercicearrow_forwardImagine that you are a clinical geneticist. Your colleague is an oncologist who wants your help explaining the basics of genetics to their patient, who will be undergoing genetic testing in the coming weeks for possible acute myeloid leukemia (AML) induced by the radiation she had several years ago for breast cancer. Write a 1,050- to 1,225-word memo to your colleague. Include the following in your memo: An explanation of the molecular structure of DNA and RNA, highlighting both similarities and differences A description of the processes of transcription and translation An explanation of the differences between leading and lagging strands and how the DNA is replicated in each strand Reponses to the following common questions patients might ask about this type of genetic testing and genetic disorder: Does AML run in families? What genes are tested for?arrow_forwardRespond to the following in a minimum of 175 words: What are some potential consequences that could result if the processes of replication, transcription, and translation don’t function correctly? Provide an example of how you might explain these consequences in terms that patients might understand.arrow_forward
- Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax CollegeHuman Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...BiologyISBN:9781285866932Author:Lauralee SherwoodPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology 2eBiologyISBN:9781947172517Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann ClarkPublisher:OpenStax