What is the role of aquaporins in cells?

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Multiple Choice

What is the role of aquaporins in cells?

Aquaporins provide selective passageways that allow water to cross the membrane rapidly through facilitated diffusion. They act as pores lined with hydrophilic residues, so water moves quickly through the channel than it would through the lipid bilayer alone. This transport is passive, driven by osmotic gradients, and does not require energy from ATP or active pumping. They don’t break water apart or generate hydrogen and hydroxide, and they don’t move water against its gradient. By offering a specialized route for water, aquaporins dramatically increase permeability where rapid water balance is needed, such as in kidney cells and plant roots.

Aquaporins provide selective passageways that allow water to cross the membrane rapidly through facilitated diffusion. They act as pores lined with hydrophilic residues, so water moves quickly through the channel than it would through the lipid bilayer alone. This transport is passive, driven by osmotic gradients, and does not require energy from ATP or active pumping. They don’t break water apart or generate hydrogen and hydroxide, and they don’t move water against its gradient. By offering a specialized route for water, aquaporins dramatically increase permeability where rapid water balance is needed, such as in kidney cells and plant roots.

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