Question

Cells maintain a very low intracellular calcium concentration to avoid crystallization of calcium phosphate. Choose all the mechanisms that maintain low intracellular calcium concentrations.

Select all that apply:

A. Active transport
B. Calcium ion pumps
C. Calcium-binding proteins
D. Endocytosis
E. Exocytosis

Answer 1

Cells maintain a very low intracellular calcium concentration to avoid crystallization. Active transport, calcium ion pumps, and calcium-binding proteins help maintain low intracellular calcium concentrations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cells maintain a very low intracellular calcium concentration to avoid crystallization of calcium phosphate. There are several mechanisms that help maintain low intracellular calcium concentrations.

1. Active transport: Cells expend energy to actively pump excess calcium out of the cell, maintaining a low intracellular concentration.
2. Calcium ion pumps: These pumps work against the concentration gradient to move calcium out of the cell.
3. Calcium-binding proteins: These proteins help bind and sequester intracellular calcium, preventing its accumulation.

Endocytosis and exocytosis are not directly involved in maintaining low intracellular calcium concentrations.