Question

The table below shows the different types of molecules that can enter a cell. It compares the concentration on the outside to the inside of the cell, its relative size, and whether it is polar, non-polar, or an ion. Determine how each molecule can pass into the cell. Is it by passive transport, active transport, or endocytosis?

Answer 1

Oxygen -As the concentration of oxygen is higher outside of the cell then inside of the cell. Hence, it will move inside the cell by passive transport.

Carbon dioxide -As carbon dioxide is a small molecule and concentration is higher outside the cell hence, it will move inside the cell by passive transport.

Fructose -As fructose is a polar and a large molecule, it wont be able to pass through the cell membrane. Hence, it will be taken up by the cell by the process of endocytosis.

Glutamine -As the concentration of glutamine is lower outside of the cell than inside of the cell hence, it will be taken up by the process of active transport.

Sodium ions -As the concentration of sodium ions is lower outside the cell then inside of the cell, so it will be taken up by the cell by active transport.

Potassium ions- As the concentration of potassium ions is lower outside the cell than inside of the cell, hence it will be taken up by active transport.

Protein Molecules- Protein molecules are large in size hence will be taken by passive transport or endocytosis

Answer 2

Oxygen

As the concentration of oxygen is higher outside of the cell then inside of the cell. Hence, it will move inside the cell by passive transport.

Carbon dioxide

As carbon dioxide is a small molecule and concentration is higher outside the cell hence, it will move inside the cell by passive transport.

Fructose

As fructose is a polar and a large molecule, it wont be able to pass through the cell membrane. Hence, it will be taken up by the cell by the process of endocytosis.

Glutamine

As the concentration of glutamine is lower outside of the cell than inside of the cell hence, it will be taken up by the process of active transport.

Sodium ions

As the concentration of sodium ions is lower outside the cell then inside of the cell, so it will be taken up by the cell by active transport.

Potassium ions

As the concentration of potassium ions is lower outside the cell than inside of the cell, hence it will be taken up by active transport.

Protein Molecules

Protein molecules are large in size hence will be taken by passive transport or endocytosis.