You have isolated a tubular segment of rat nephron and introduced a solution of

Question

You have isolated a tubular segment of rat nephron and introduced a solution of known composition into it. When you compare the fluid inside the tube collected at the end of the segment with the test solution introduced at the beginning, you find that the volume has decreased by 30% and the Na+ concentration has decreased by 30%, but the urea concentration has increased by 50%. What is the segment of the rat nephron that was tested and what processes in this segment might account for the observed changes? Pick one segment from the following list: proximal tubule, descending limb of loop of Henle, ascending limb of loop of Henle, collecting duct, or ureter.

Explanation / Answer

In ascending limb of loop of Henle substances like potassium ions, ammonium, and hydrogen ions are actively transported along with waste product urea. These substances are transported by active transport hence require energy, moving against their concentration gradient. Therefore test solution volume is decreased by 30% and Na + concentration decreased by 30% and the waste product urea is increased by 50%, when compared with the fluid inside the tube.

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