bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 3, Problem 1MC

Which of the following would you expect to find in or on cells whose main function is absorption?

a. Microvilli

c. Gap junctions

b. Cilia

d. Secretory vesicles

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Cells are the smallest structural and functional unit of life. The cell has many specialized structures that perform specific functions that are required for proper growth and development of an organism.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

The cells specialized to perform absorption have microvilli over their surfaces. These are hair-like structures that increase the surface area of the cells.

Justification for the correct answer:

Option (a) is given that the cells whose main function is absorption have microvilli in or on them. The body organs like intestines and kidneys perform the function of absorption. Thus, the cells of these organs should have large surface area. This is accomplished by the presence of microvilli (hair-like structures) that extend outward from the plasma membrane.

These provide a brush lining and increase the area of absorption of various nutrients. They also perform the secretory function of some factors. Microvilli are generally present in the small intestine, surface of egg cells, and white blood cells. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for incorrect answers:

Option (b) is given that the cells whose main function is absorption have cilia in or on them. The cilia are specialized structures on the surface of the cells and provide motility to the cell, in case of prokaryotes. In case of eukaryotes, they perform the function of moving the contents of the organs further. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given that the cells whose main function is absorption have gap junctions in or on them. Gap junctions mainly function to pass the ions and molecules freely through the cells. They help in establishing an electrical communication between the cells. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given that the cells whose main function is absorption have secretory vesicles in or on them. The secretory vesicles mediate the vesicular transport of cargo between different cells, like hormones or neurotransmitters. So, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

The cells that are specialized to perform the function of absorption are lined by microvilli.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Which of the following is not a function of cytoskeleton in a cell ? A) Maintenance of cell shape and structure B) Intracellular transport C) Cell motility D) Support of the organelle
Which organelle works to pack cellular secretions? a. endoplasmic reticulum  b. Golgi apparatus c. ribosome  d. vacuole
Which organelles would need to work together to accomplish the following? A. Create a protein that would stay in the cell B. Create a protein that would leave the cell C. Create a lipid that would leave the cell D. Breakdown material brought into the cell

Chapter 3 Solutions

Modified Masteringa&p With Pearson Etext -- Valuepack Access Card -- For Essentials Of Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12th Edition

Ch. 3 - Which of the following terms describe cardiac...Ch. 3 - Cancer is the same as a. all tumors. b. al...Ch. 3 - Prob. 13SAECh. 3 - 14. Although cells have differences that reflect...Ch. 3 - Describe the special function of DNA found in the...Ch. 3 - 16. Describe the four structural components of the...Ch. 3 - Prob. 17SAECh. 3 - 18. What two structural characteristics of cell...Ch. 3 - Explain the effect of the following solutions on...Ch. 3 - Prob. 20SAECh. 3 - Define mitosis. Why is mitosis important?Ch. 3 - Prob. 22SAECh. 3 - Prob. 23SAECh. 3 - 24. Why can an organ be permanently damaged if its...Ch. 3 - Describe the relative roles of DNA and RNA in...Ch. 3 - Define tissue. List the four major types of...Ch. 3 - Describe the general characteristics of epithelial...Ch. 3 - 28. Where is ciliated epithelium found, and what...Ch. 3 - What are the general structural characteristics of...Ch. 3 - Name a connective tissue with (1) a soft fluid...Ch. 3 - Prob. 31SAECh. 3 - 32. Tell where each of the three types of muscle...Ch. 3 - 33. How does tissue healing by fibrosis differ...Ch. 3 - Prob. 34SAECh. 3 - Prob. 35SAECh. 3 - Two examples of chemotherapeutic drugs (used to...Ch. 3 - Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory drug that...Ch. 3 - John has severely injured his knee during football...Ch. 3 - 39. Three patients in an intensive care unit are...Ch. 3 - 40. Michael had a nervous habit of chewing on the...Ch. 3 - 41. Think carefully about the chemistry of the...Ch. 3 - 42. Jeanie was taken to the ER for heat stroke and...
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions
Biology
ISBN:9781285695495
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions Updated
Biology
ISBN:9780357191606
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...
Biology
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
Biology
ISBN:9781305967359
Author:STARR
Publisher:CENGAGE L
Biology - Intro to Cell Structure - Quick Review!; Author: The Organic Chemistry Tutor;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwAJ8ByQH2U;License: Standard youtube license