Question

Cells A and B are the same size and shape, but cell A is metabolically quiet and cell B is actively consuming oxygen. Oxygen will diffuse more quickly into cell _____ because _____.

Answer 1

Answer:

B because the diffusion gradient is steeper there

Explanation:

Oxygen moves in the cell through the process of diffusion which means it moves from its higher concentration towards its lower concentration. More the difference in concentration, concentration gradient will be more steeper and diffusion will take faster.

So in this case cell, B cell consumes oxygen at a faster rate because it is more metabolically active therefore as oxygen is consumed at a faster rate the concentration difference in B cell becomes high and the diffusion gradient becomes steeper so oxygen will diffuse more quickly in cell B.

Answer 2

The question is incomplete as it does not have the options which are:

 A … the diffusion gradient there is shallower

  A … its membrane transport proteins will not be saturated

  B … the oxygen molecules inside cell B have a higher kinetic energy

  B … the diffusion gradient there is steeper

Answer:

B … the diffusion gradient there is steeper

Explanation:

In the given question, cell A does not perform the process of metabolism but cell B is metabolically active as a result of which the cell uses oxygen.

The oxygen will diffuse more quickly in cell B as the diffusion process will allow the movement of the oxygen from higher concentration to lower concentration. Since the cell is active therefore it requires oxygen and releases oxygen as a result of which the oxygen level rises and fall instantly and is steeper.

Thus, B … the diffusion gradient there is steeper is correct.