Researchers conducted a study concerning cellular transport in animal cells affected by mitochondrial disease. The disease affects an organism's ability to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). During their study, which method of cellular transport still functioned in the affected animal cells?
a. Phagocytosis
b. Pinocytosis
c. Active transport
d. Simple diffusion
c. Active transport
The correct answer is c. Active transport.
Active transport is a method of cellular transport that requires energy in the form of ATP to move molecules against their concentration gradient. Even though mitochondrial disease affects the cell's ability to produce ATP, other sources of ATP within the cell can still drive active transport processes. Therefore, active transport can still occur in the affected animal cells during the study.
To determine which method of cellular transport still functions in the affected animal cells, we need to understand how each method works and consider the implications of mitochondrial disease on ATP production.
a. Phagocytosis: Phagocytosis is a process where a cell engulfs solid particles by extending its plasma membrane around them to form a phagosome. This process typically requires energy in the form of ATP. Since the animal cells affected by mitochondrial disease have impaired ATP production, it is unlikely that phagocytosis would still function effectively.
b. Pinocytosis: Pinocytosis is a process where small dissolved substances are taken up by a cell by being engulfed in a vesicle. Like phagocytosis, pinocytosis requires ATP for the formation and movement of vesicles. Therefore, it is also unlikely that pinocytosis would still function in the affected animal cells.
c. Active transport: Active transport is a process in which substances move across the cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring the expenditure of energy. This energy is primarily derived from ATP. Given that ATP production is impaired in the affected animal cells, active transport may also be compromised.
d. Simple diffusion: Simple diffusion is the passive movement of substances from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, without the need for energy or transport proteins. This process relies on the random motion of molecules and does not directly require ATP. Thus, simple diffusion is likely to still function in the affected animal cells.
Therefore, the method of cellular transport most likely to still function in the affected animal cells is d. Simple diffusion.