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Ch. 3 The Cellular Level of Organization
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology 12th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 12th EditionCh. 3 The Cellular Level of OrganizationProblem 18
Chapter 3, Problem 18

Microvilli are found
(a) Mostly in muscle cells
(b) On the inside of plasma membranes
(c) In large numbers on cells that secrete hormones
(d) In cells that are actively engaged in absorption
(e) Only on cells lining the reproductive tract

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand what microvilli are: Microvilli are microscopic cellular membrane protrusions that increase the surface area of cells, enhancing their ability to absorb substances.
Recall the primary function of microvilli: They are mainly involved in absorption rather than secretion or muscle contraction.
Identify the types of cells where absorption is critical: Cells lining the small intestine and kidney tubules have many microvilli to maximize nutrient and ion absorption.
Evaluate each option based on this knowledge: (a) Muscle cells are primarily for contraction, not absorption; (b) Microvilli are on the surface of plasma membranes but specifically where absorption occurs; (c) Cells that secrete hormones typically have other specializations, not microvilli; (d) Cells actively engaged in absorption have numerous microvilli; (e) Microvilli are not limited to reproductive tract cells.
Conclude that the correct answer corresponds to cells with high absorption activity, which is option (d).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Microvilli Structure and Function

Microvilli are tiny, finger-like projections on the surface of certain cells that increase the surface area for absorption. They are covered by the plasma membrane and contain actin filaments for structural support, enhancing the cell's ability to absorb nutrients efficiently.
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Cell Types with Microvilli

Microvilli are predominantly found on epithelial cells involved in absorption, such as those lining the small intestine and kidney tubules. These cells use microvilli to maximize nutrient and ion uptake from their environment.
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Difference Between Microvilli and Other Cell Surface Structures

Microvilli differ from cilia and flagella in both structure and function; while microvilli increase surface area for absorption, cilia are involved in movement of substances across the cell surface. Understanding this distinction helps identify where microvilli are typically located.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Diffusion is important in body fluids, because it tends to

(a) Increase local concentration gradients

(b) Eliminate local concentration gradients

(c) Move substances against concentration gradients

(d) Create concentration gradients

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Textbook Question

How many amino acids are coded in the DNA segment:

CTC–ATA–CGA–TTC–AAG–TTA?

(a) 18

(b) 9

(c) 6

(d) 3

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Textbook Question

What are the four major functions of the endoplasmic reticulum?

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Textbook Question

When a cell is placed in a(n)___solution, the cell will lose water through osmosis. This process results in the___ of red blood cells

(a) hypotonic; crenation

(b) hypertonic; crenation

(c) isotonic; hemolysis

(d) hypotonic; hemolysis

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Textbook Question

List five important factors that influence diffusion rates.

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Textbook Question

Suppose that a DNA segment has the following nucleotide sequence:

CTC–ATA–CGA–TTC–AAG–TTA.

Which nucleotide sequences would a complementary mRNA strand have?

(a) GAG–UAU–GAU–AAC–UUG–AAU

(b) GAG–TAT–GCT–AAG–TTC–AAT

(c) GAG–UAU–GCU–AAG–UUC–AAU

(d) GUG–UAU–GGA–UUG–AAC–GGU

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