Cell Membrane (4) - Thinking Exercise

Thinking exercise: Compare channel & carrier proteins

Question: How could regulation of substances in and out of cells result in cellular homeostasis? Give an example to illustrate.

Answer: Homeostasis is the regulation of processes to maintain a constant, stable, living internal environment despite other external conditions. Hence, regulation of substances in and out of cells will result in cellular homeostasis. Example: The cell membrane regulates substances in and out of cells. When the cell is put in a substance with a much higher water potential, osmosis will take place. This is when the molecules of the cells with a higher water potential move towards the cells with a lower water potential, to maintain an equilibrium between the substances. An equilibrium would have been reached when the concentrations of both substances are the same.

Question: Think of a cell within our body that can do this and what is the transport mechanism that is happening that is helping.
Answer: Villi Cell (Small Intestine). The villi cells have a rich blood supply, which has a lower concentration of food molecules as compared to the surroundings. Hence, diffusion of the food molecules will take place and homeostasis will be achieved.