Nephron structure illustrating filtration and reabsorption processes with associated substance composition.
Diagram of a nephron showing blood flow and filtration process with labeled parts A, B, C, D, and E, and a table listing substance percentages including water, proteins, glucose, and urea.
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Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: Biology] Nephron - Practice Question Solving - EnterMedSchool ...
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Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: Biology] Nephron - Practice Question Solving - EnterMedSchool ...
Problem Analysis:
The image provided shows a diagram of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. The table lists the composition of a fluid, likely the filtrate in the nephron, with the following percentages:
- Water: 99%
- Proteins: 0%
- Glucose: 0.1%
- Urea: 0.03%
The task is to identify the parts of the nephron labeled as A, B, C, D, and E and explain how the given fluid composition relates to the function of these parts.
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Solution:
#### Step 1: Identify the Parts of the Nephron
The nephron consists of several key regions, each playing a specific role in filtering blood and reabsorbing essential substances. Let's identify the labeled parts:
1. A: This is the glomerulus, a network of capillaries where blood filtration begins. Blood enters the glomerulus through the afferent arteriole and exits through the efferent arteriole.
2. B: This is the Bowman's capsule, which surrounds the glomerulus. It collects the filtrate produced by the glomerulus.
3. C: This is the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), where most of the reabsorption of water, glucose, amino acids, and other solutes occurs.
4. D: This is the descending limb of the loop of Henle, which helps in concentrating the filtrate by allowing water to be reabsorbed into the surrounding medulla.
5. E: This is the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, which helps in maintaining the osmotic gradient in the medulla by actively transporting ions out of the filtrate.
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#### Step 2: Relate the Fluid Composition to the Nephron Function
The fluid composition provided in the table is characteristic of the glomerular filtrate (also known as Bowman's capsule filtrate). Here's how it relates to the nephron:
1. Water (99%): The high percentage of water indicates that the filtrate is primarily composed of water, which is expected since the glomerulus filters a large volume of water from the blood.
2. Proteins (0%): Proteins are not present in the filtrate because they are too large to pass through the glomerular filtration barrier. This barrier consists of fenestrated endothelial cells, a basement membrane, and podocytes, which prevent the passage of large molecules like proteins.
3. Glucose (0.1%): A small amount of glucose is present in the filtrate. However, almost all of it will be reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT).
4. Urea (0.03%): Urea is a waste product that is filtered into the Bowman's capsule and remains in the filtrate until it is excreted in the urine.
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#### Step 3: Trace the Filtrate Through the Nephron
- At Point A (Glomerulus): Filtration occurs here, producing the initial filtrate with the composition shown in the table.
- At Point B (Bowman's Capsule): The filtrate enters the Bowman's capsule, maintaining the same composition as it moves into the PCT.
- At Point C (Proximal Convoluted Tubule): Reabsorption of water, glucose, amino acids, and other solutes occurs here. The concentration of glucose and other nutrients decreases as they are reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
- At Points D and E (Loop of Henle): Further reabsorption of water occurs in the descending limb, while the ascending limb actively transports ions out of the filtrate, helping to concentrate the remaining filtrate.
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Final Answer:
The labeled parts of the nephron are:
- A: Glomerulus
- B: Bowman's capsule
- C: Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)
- D: Descending limb of the loop of Henle
- E: Ascending limb of the loop of Henle
The fluid composition provided corresponds to the glomerular filtrate or Bowman's capsule filtrate, which is formed at the beginning of the nephron in the glomerulus. This filtrate is then processed through the rest of the nephron to produce urine.
$$
\boxed{A = \text{Glomerulus}, B = \text{Bowman's capsule}, C = \text{Proximal convoluted tubule}, D = \text{Descending limb of the loop of Henle}, E = \text{Ascending limb of the loop of Henle}}
$$
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of nephron worksheet.