Intestinal absorptive cells take up large amounts of glucose and amino acids per minute. EM images show their apical surfaces are densely packed with finger-like protrusions called microvilli. A textbook claims this increases absorption per unit area.
Which statement BEST explains the functional advantage of microvilli for these cells?
- A
They allow the cell to switch between active and passive transport
- Bcheck_circle
They increase the surface area available for transport without increasing cell volume
- C
They reduce overall surface area to limit ion leakage
- D
They increase the volume of the cell while keeping surface area constant
Explanation
Microvilli amplify membrane area; transport proteins on a larger surface boost net flux of nutrients without altering cell volume.