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An example of passive movement across a plasma membrane is A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2010 - Paper 1
Question 11
An example of passive movement across a plasma membrane is A. a macrophage engulfing a bacterium. B. goblet cells of the small intestine secreting mucus into the gut... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:An example of passive movement across a plasma membrane is A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2010 - Paper 1
Step 1
C. a freshwater unicellular organism gaining water from its natural surroundings.
Answer
In this question, we are asked to identify an example of passive movement across a plasma membrane. Passive movement refers to the type of transport that does not require energy input from the cell.
Choice A, where a macrophage engulfs a bacterium, involves phagocytosis, an active process requiring energy.
Choice B describes goblet cells secreting mucus, which is also an active process requiring energy.
Choice D refers to the exchange of sodium and potassium ions, a process known as active transport, which involves the use of ATP.
On the other hand, choice C describes osmosis, where a freshwater unicellular organism gains water naturally from its surroundings, making it a clear example of passive movement across the plasma membrane. Thus the correct answer is (C).