Researchers conducted a study concerning cellular transport in animal cells affected by mitochondrial disease. The disease affects an organism's ability to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). During their study, which method of cellular transport still functioned in the affected animal cells?

Question

a
Simple diffusion
b
Pinocytosis
c
Phagocytosis
d
Active transport

Answer 1

In the context of mitochondria's role in ATP production, it's important to understand how different methods of cellular transport function. Mitochondrial disease affects the cells' ability to produce ATP, which is essential for energy-dependent processes like active transport.

1. Active Transport (d) relies on ATP to move substances against their concentration gradient, so if ATP production is impaired, active transport would be affected.

2. Pinocytosis (b) and Phagocytosis (c) are forms of endocytosis that also require energy, typically provided by ATP.

3. Simple Diffusion (a), on the other hand, is a passive process that does not require energy. Molecules move across the cell membrane according to their concentration gradient, independent of ATP.

Given this understanding, the method of cellular transport that would still function in animal cells affected by mitochondrial disease is:

a. Simple diffusion.