International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

Which term refers to the ability to change the rate of nutrient transport through the cell wall?

1. Hormonal regulation

2. Metabolic adaptation

3. Enzyme feedback

4. Cellular permeability

The correct answer is: Hormonal regulation

The term that accurately refers to the ability to change the rate of nutrient transport through the cell wall is "cellular permeability." This concept encompasses how easily substances can pass through a cell's membrane, which can be influenced by various factors such as membrane structure, the presence of transport proteins, and the physiological conditions of the cell. Understanding cellular permeability is fundamental in the context of how cells regulate the intake of nutrients and the expulsion of waste, impacting overall metabolic function. For instance, when cells require more nutrients for energy production or growth, changes in their permeability can enable faster transport of essential molecules into the cell. The other options, such as hormonal regulation, metabolic adaptation, and enzyme feedback, focus on different aspects of cellular function or metabolic processes rather than the direct mechanism of nutrient transport across cell membranes. Hormonal regulation plays a significant role in controlling various metabolic pathways but doesn't specifically address the transport rate through the cell wall. Metabolic adaptation refers to how cells adjust to changes in their environment over time, which may involve various metabolic pathways rather than solely nutrient transport. Enzyme feedback generally deals with how enzymes regulate biochemical reactions rather than the physical transport of substances through membranes.