Which of the following statements regarding the diffusion of a nonpolar solute X across a cell membrane is correct?
A)At equilibrium,the net flux of X across the cell membrane is zero.
B)At equilibrium,X will cease moving across the cell membrane.
C)Solute X will be unable to reach equilibrium because it is nonpolar.
D)Solute X will reach equilibrium,but the concentration will be much higher on the inside of the cell because of the smaller volume.
E)At equilibrium,movement of X across the membrane will be much faster in one direction than in the other.

Question

Which of the following statements regarding the diffusion of a nonpolar solute X across a cell membrane is correct?
A)At equilibrium,the net flux of X across the cell membrane is zero.
B)At equilibrium,X will cease moving across the cell membrane.
C)Solute X will be unable to reach equilibrium because it is nonpolar.
D)Solute X will reach equilibrium,but the concentration will be much higher on the inside of the cell because of the smaller volume.
E)At equilibrium,movement of X across the membrane will be much faster in one direction than in the other.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At equilibrium, the concentration of solute X will be the same on both sides of the cell membrane, which means there will be no net flux of X across the membrane. This is because at equilibrium the movement of X in one direction will be balanced by the movement of X in the opposite direction, resulting in a net flux of zero. Therefore, choice A is the correct statement. Choice B is incorrect because solute X will continue to move across the membrane but with no net flux. Choice C is incorrect because solute X can still reach equilibrium despite being nonpolar. Choice D is incorrect because the concentration will be the same on both sides of the cell membrane at equilibrium. Choice E is incorrect because at equilibrium, the movement of X across the membrane will be equal in both directions, resulting in no net flux.

Which of the Following Statements Regarding the Diffusion of a Nonpolar