Chapter 49, Problem 1TY

Summary Introduction

Introduction: The general term ‘salt’ is used to refer to a compound formed by an attraction between a positively charged ion, such as sodium (${\text{Na}}^{\text{+}}$), and a negatively charged ion, such as chloride (${\text{Cl}}^{\text{-}}$). These ions are held together by ionic bonds, which breaks when the salt is dissolved in water.

Answer to Problem 1TY

Correct answer: A change in the ion (salt) concentration in an animal’s body may result in altered membrane potentials. This disrupts normal cell function, certain biochemical processes that occur in the cell, and movement of water between fluid compartments. Hence, the correct answer is option e.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct answer:

The cell is said to be polarized at its resting state. The inside of the cell is negatively charged and it contains a high concentration of chloride ions. The outside of the cell is positively charged and it contains a high concentration of sodium ions. The changes in the concentration of ions from dissolved salts in the extracellular and intracellular fluids disturb the homeostasis and various important functions.

Option e. is given as “a, b, and c”.

The altered concentration of ions disturbs the membrane potential, biochemical processes, and flow of water. Hence, the correct answer is option (e).

Reasons for incorrect answer:

Option a. is given as, “altered membrane potentials that disrupt normal cell function”.

The change in the salt concentration in an animal’s body causes alteration in the membrane potential. This disrupts the normal cell function, for example, electrical potential across the plasma membrane in the cells of the heart and brain. However, it also disturbs the biochemical processes occurring in the cell and the water flow. Hence, option a. is incorrect.

Option b. is given as, “disruption of certain biochemical processes that occur in the cell”.

The change in the animal’s body ion concentration alters the biochemical process, for example, muscle contraction occurring in the cell. However, it also alters the membrane potential and movement of water. Hence, option b. is incorrect.

Option c. is given as, “movement of water between fluid compartments”.

The alteration in the ion concentration is also related to causing disturbance in the movement of water across the membrane. However, it also results in causing disturbance in membrane potential and certain biochemical processes. Hence, option c. is incorrect.

Option d. is given as, “a and b only”.

The alteration in the ion concentration in an animal’s body result in causing disturbance in the membrane potential, biochemical processes occurring in the cell, and movement of water between fluid compartments. Hence, option d. is incorrect.

Hence, the options a., b., c., and d. are incorrect.

Conclusion

The change in the ion (salt) concentration in an animal’s body may result in altered membrane potentials that disrupt the normal cell function, certain biochemical processes occurring in the cell, and movement of water between fluid compartments.