Question
A group of biology students dissolved the shells of 3 raw chicken eggs by soaking them in vinegar. The eggs were used as models for cells. One egg was then placed in pure water. The second egg was placed in a salt water solution. The third egg was placed in a sugar solution.
Part A
The students observed that the first egg swelled in size, while the second and third eggs shrunk in size to different levels.
What conclusion is best supported by these results?
The cell membrane is selectively permeable and allows water and some solutes to move in and out of the cell.
The cell membrane only allows the passage of water via membrane proteins.
The cell membrane is impermeable.
The salt and sugar water acted as hypotonic solutions.
Part B
Which statement best supports the correct answer to Part A?
Hypotonic solutions pull water out of the cells to regulate the concentration gradient on both sides of the cell membrane.
The impermeability of the cell membrane protects the cell from damage caused by foreign substances entering the body.
Active transport uses energy to move water in and out of the cell.
Cells maintain homeostasis by the ability to move molecules and ions in and out of the cell.
Part A
The students observed that the first egg swelled in size, while the second and third eggs shrunk in size to different levels.
What conclusion is best supported by these results?
The cell membrane is selectively permeable and allows water and some solutes to move in and out of the cell.
The cell membrane only allows the passage of water via membrane proteins.
The cell membrane is impermeable.
The salt and sugar water acted as hypotonic solutions.
Part B
Which statement best supports the correct answer to Part A?
Hypotonic solutions pull water out of the cells to regulate the concentration gradient on both sides of the cell membrane.
The impermeability of the cell membrane protects the cell from damage caused by foreign substances entering the body.
Active transport uses energy to move water in and out of the cell.
Cells maintain homeostasis by the ability to move molecules and ions in and out of the cell.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
**Part A:**
The conclusion best supported by the results is:
**The cell membrane is selectively permeable and allows water and some solutes to move in and out of the cell.**
This is indicated by the observation that the first egg swelled in pure water (indicating water entered the cell), while the second and third eggs shrunk in salt and sugar solutions (indicating water left the cell).
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**Part B:**
The statement that best supports the correct answer to Part A is:
**Cells maintain homeostasis by the ability to move molecules and ions in and out of the cell.**
This statement highlights the selective permeability of the cell membrane, which is essential for cells to regulate their internal environment and maintain homeostasis.
The conclusion best supported by the results is:
**The cell membrane is selectively permeable and allows water and some solutes to move in and out of the cell.**
This is indicated by the observation that the first egg swelled in pure water (indicating water entered the cell), while the second and third eggs shrunk in salt and sugar solutions (indicating water left the cell).
---
**Part B:**
The statement that best supports the correct answer to Part A is:
**Cells maintain homeostasis by the ability to move molecules and ions in and out of the cell.**
This statement highlights the selective permeability of the cell membrane, which is essential for cells to regulate their internal environment and maintain homeostasis.