The bacterium Vibrio cholerae releases a toxin that blocks a channel protein in the membranes of cells that line the intestine. This toxin prevents the movement of positively charged sodium ions out of the intestine and into these cells. If the sodium ions could not move into the cells, how would this affect the movement of water?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If sodium ions cannot move into the cells, there will be a higher concentration of sodium ions outside of the cells. This will create a concentration gradient and water will move from an area of low concentration (inside the cell) to an area of high concentration (outside the cell) by osmosis. This will lead to water leaving the cells and entering the intestines.

The Bacterium Vibrio Cholerae Releases a Toxin That Blocks a Channel