Question

The concentrations of oxygen inside of the cell and outside of the cell are given. In which direction will the oxygen move?

A. Into the cell
B. Out of the cell
C. No net movement of oxygen
D. The movement depends on other factors

Answer 1

Oxygen moves into the cell through the process of simple diffusion, a type of passive transport driven by concentration gradients.

Step-by-step explanation:

The oxygen will move into the cell due to the concentration gradient. This is a process called simple diffusion, which is a type of passive transport.

The movement of oxygen across the cell membrane is determined by the difference in concentration of oxygen inside and outside the cell. Cells consume oxygen rapidly for metabolism, creating a lower oxygen concentration within the cell compared to the outside environment. This concentration gradient drives oxygen to move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration, via a process known as simple diffusion.

Oxygen, being a small, nonpolar molecule, can easily pass through the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane without the need for energy, which is characteristic of passive transport. Similarly, carbon dioxide (CO2), which is produced as a byproduct of metabolism, moves from higher concentrations inside the cell to lower concentrations outside the cell. Thus, oxygen diffuses into the cell, while CO2 diffuses out. This exchange ensures that cells maintain proper function and energy production. In summary, oxygen enters the cell to support cellular respiration, while CO2 exits as a waste product.