Final answer:
Option A provides the correct matching descriptions for each of the biological processes involved in molecule and ion movement in and out of cells which are: Simple diffusion: Movement of solutes; Ion channels: Membrane-spanning proteins; Gating: Activation of ion channels; Facilitated diffusion: Movement with a carrier protein; Primary active transport: ATP-dependent movement; Secondary active transport: Coupled movement; Pinocytosis: Cell drinking; Exocytosis: Cell secretion; Endocytosis: Cell engulfing
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct description for each process is:
- Simple diffusion: Movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration across the plasma membrane without the need for energy.
- Ion channels: Membrane-spanning proteins that allow ions to pass through the membrane in response to a concentration gradient.
- Gating: The process of opening or closing ion channels in response to stimuli, effectively regulating ion flow.
- Facilitated diffusion: The movement of molecules across a cell membrane via carrier proteins from a region of higher concentration to one of lower concentration, without energy expenditure.
- Primary active transport: The movement of molecules against their concentration gradient with the use of energy from ATP, involving transporter proteins like pumps.
- Secondary active transport: The movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, driven by the energy stored in the gradient of another molecule that moves alongside or in exchange for the first molecule.
- Pinocytosis: A type of endocytosis sometimes referred to as 'cell drinking,' where the cell engulfs liquid containing solutes into vesicles.
- Exocytosis: The process by which cells expel materials in vesicles, which fuse with the plasma membrane and release their contents outside the cell.
- Endocytosis: The process by which cells engulf substances from the external environment, forming vesicles to bring them inside the cell.
With reference to the choice options provided, Option A is the correct match for each of the listed processes.