Question

Why would a cell express the aquaporin protein if water can cross the membrane in the absence of aquaporin?

Answer 1

The correct answer is - Aquaporins facilitates the faster movement of water molecules across the membrane.

Explanation:

Aquaporins are normally the membranes that are present in plant cell membranes but also found in animals membranes which is help in regulations of the water flux across the membranes.

These are water channels that acts as the sensors for the turgor pressure and osmotic potential. With water flux these channels are also responsible for movement of NH3, CO2 and other essential compounds across plasma membranes.

Thus, the correct answer is - Aquaporins facilitates the faster movement of water molecules across the membrane.

Answer 2

Generally, aquaporins are found in the membranes of plants and also in the membranes of animals. It is a transporter, which takes part in mediating or regulating the flux of water across the membranes. A cell expresses the aquaporin protein due to many factors:

1. They function as sensors of gradients in turgor pressure and osmotic potential.

2. Aquaporins can assist in regulating and maintaining water permeability in response to different stresses like salt, drought, chilling, and others as water can move at a much greater speed through aquaporins.

3. Aquaporins can help in the movements of carbon dioxide, H2O2, NH3 through the plasma membrane briskly. Thus, the expression of aquaporin is essential for various species.