Question

the transport of large molecules, such as proteins, into or out of the cell often involves the cell membrane changing shape to engulf or release the molecule. this process is known as ______.

○ vesicular transport (endocytosis or exocytosis)
○ facilitated diffusion
○ active transport via pumps
○ simple diffusion

Explanation:

1. Analyze each option:

• Vesicular transport (endocytosis or exocytosis): Endocytosis is when the cell membrane engulfs large molecules (like proteins) into the cell, and exocytosis is when the cell releases large molecules by the membrane changing shape to fuse with vesicles and release their contents. This matches the description of the cell membrane changing shape to move large molecules.
• Facilitated diffusion: Involves transport proteins to move molecules down their concentration gradient, no membrane shape change for large molecules like this.
• Active transport via pumps: Uses protein pumps to move molecules against gradient, no membrane engulfing/releasing large molecules.
• Simple diffusion: Molecules move down gradient through the lipid bilayer, no membrane shape change and for small, non - polar molecules mostly.

Answer:

A. Vesicular transport (endocytosis or exocytosis)