Question

Aquaporins are channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water across the cell membrane. One group of researchers hypothesizes that without functional aquaporins, no water will be able to enter the cell. A different group proposes an alternative hypothesis, stating that even with nonfunctional aquaporins, a small amount of water will still cross the cell membrane. An experiment is set up in which plant cells with mutated (nonfunctional) aquaporins and plant cells with normally functioning aquaporins are both placed in distilled water. Which of the following data would support the alternative hypothesis?

Answer 1

Answer:

The plant cells with mutated (nonfunctional) aquaporins support the alternative hypothesis stated by different groups.

Explanation:

Aquaporins are proteins which are responsible for the transportation of water molecules across the semipermeable membrane of the cell. The main function of Aquaporins is to allow water molecules into the cell and block the passage for the ion molecules. Water can also pass through cell membrane through simple diffusion that support the alternative hypothesis.