1.2.7 Practice: Cell Membrane Structure and Practice

Function
AP Biology Sem 1
Name:  
Date:  

1. Dimensions for cells of various shapes are provided in the table below. Using this
information, rank the cells in order from fastest to slowest at procuring nutrients by
diffusion from the surrounding medium. Explain your reasoning. (6 points)

Cell shape Cell dimensions

Sphere Diameter = 3 μm

Cube Length = 2 μm

Width = 2 μm

Depth = 2 μm

Other useful information:

volume of a sphere = 4⁄3 r3

volume of a cube of dimensions a × a × a = a3

surface area of a sphere = 4 r2

surface area of a cube of dimensions a × a × a = 6a2

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2. Draw an illustration of a cell showing the direction of movement in or out of the
cell for the following molecules: O2, CO2, urea, glucose, phosphate. How are the
molecules taken up by the cell used once inside the cell interior? (4 points)

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3. A microbiologist ran some tests on pure enzymes extracted from a pathogenic
bacterial strain. She found that Compound Z was a potent inhibitor of an enzyme
essential for DNA replication. In subsequent tests, however, when the scientist
incubated bacterial cultures in media containing high concentrations of Compound
Z, she observed no effect on the bacteria.

Pose a scientific question the scientist might use to pursue additional research on
this topic. (3 points)

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4. Dimethylmercury is a nonpolar volatile liquid that is lethal to animals. Its structure
is CH3-Hg-CH3. Predict the mechanism and timeframe of passage into cells for
dimethylmercury based upon its chemical properties. Draw a diagram to support your
explanation. (4 points)

5. A group of cells is placed in a liquid culture medium containing the molecule X and
allowed to incubate for several hours. The diagram below shows the final distribution
of molecule X in the interior of one cell and in the external liquid surrounding the cell.

Is molecule X undergoing active or passive transport across the cell membrane?

Explain. (2 points)

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6. Farmlands are often threatened by the application of salt to roads during the
winter months. Explain how the application of salt to the roads could affect crops,
based on your knowledge of osmosis. (6 points)

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