The cells that line your small intestine absorb nutrients. Their cell membranes consist of many extensions and folds that project into the open space of the intestine. Why is this cell structure advantageous in the small intestine?

What will be an ideal response?


The main function of these cells is absorption of nutrients, and the only way to improve the efficiency of this activity is to increase surface area without too much increase in volume. This leads to the evolution of a multitude of thin, narrow folds in the cell membrane.

Biology & Microbiology

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A toxic organic compound is:

a. chromium. b. polychlorinated biphenyls. c. trash. d. oil. e. zinc.

Biology & Microbiology

Which of the following occurs with alcohol

induced cirrhosis of the liver?

a. the production of albumin, important for solute balance, stops b. toxins accumulate in the brain c. blood flow is restricted d. a 50% chance of death within 10 years of onset e. all of these occur with alcohol induced cirrhosis of the liver

Biology & Microbiology

A particular trait is analyzed using a pedigree diagram. More males than females appear to be affected. This trait is probably:

a. autosomal dominant. b. autosomal recessive. c. sex-linked dominant. d. sex-linked recessive. e. None of the above

Biology & Microbiology

Fill in blanks: There are several ways that membrane proteins can associate with the cell membrane. Membrane proteins that extend through the lipid bilayer are called ______________ proteins and have ____________ regions that are exposed to the interior of the bilayer. On the other hand, membrane-associated proteins do not span the bilayer and instead associate with the membrane through an ? helix that is __________. _____________ membrane proteins are linked to the membrane through interactions with other membrane-bound proteins.

What will be an ideal response?

Biology & Microbiology