Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function/Question
AP Biologyeasymcq1 pt

Which adjustment would increase the net rate of oxygen diffusion from the blood into a respiring tissue cell?

A.Raising intracellular oxygen above the extracellular level speeds entry by pushing harder on the membrane.
B.Reducing the membrane surface area funnels the same traffic through fewer pores.
C.Thickening the membrane shortens the trip oxygen must take.
D.Decreasing the oxygen concentration inside the cell, steepening the gradient across the plasma membrane.

Explanation

Core Concept

Flux rises when the difference between external and internal concentrations widens, provided surface area and membrane thickness stay fixed. Active respiration achieves this automatically by consuming O2 in mitochondria, holding internal levels low. A steeper gradient drives faster net entry without any expenditure of ATP.

Correct Answer

DDecreasing the oxygen concentration inside the cell, steepening the gradient across the plasma membrane.

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