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Question #46157
The Question
In Molluscs, the mantle cavity houses feather-like gills that perform both respiratory and excretory functions. If a specific toxin selectively destroys the tight junctions and apicobasal polarity of the epithelial lining in this cavity, which of the following physiological crises will occur first?
Options
- A.
The calcareous shell will rapidly dissolve due to the inability of the mantle to secrete calcium carbonate.
- B.
Nitrogenous wastes will leak into the respiratory water current, dissipating the gradient required for counter-current gas exchange.
- C.
The radula will lose its structural integrity, preventing the mechanical breakdown of food.
- D.
Hemocyanin will leak out of the open circulatory system directly into the surrounding external water.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Mantle_Cavity_Epithelium|Tight_Junctions|Polarity
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the NCERT fact that the mantle cavity has 'respiratory and excretory functions' but fail to integrate this with the function of 'tight junctions' from the structural organization chapter.
The trap is failing to realize that for a single anatomical space to handle both oxygen uptake and waste removal efficiently without auto-toxicity, strict epithelial compartmentalization (polarity and tight junctions) is absolutely mandatory.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Animal Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Mollusca Mantle Cavity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |