[Campbell Biology P.1159] Which of the following descriptions accurately compares mechanorece... | Practice Question

Which of the following descriptions accurately compares mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors?

  • A: Mechanoreceptors primarily sense chemical substances, while chemoreceptors primarily sense physical deformation.
  • B: Mechanoreceptors generate receptor potentials by altering ion channel permeability, while chemoreceptors do not involve ion channels.
  • C: Mechanoreceptors sense physical deformation caused by mechanical energy, while chemoreceptors sense specific molecules or solute concentrations.
  • D: Vertebrate stretch receptors are a type of chemoreceptor.

Explanation

The text clearly defines mechanoreceptors as sensing 'physical deformation caused by forms of mechanical energy' and chemoreceptors as responding to 'specific molecules in body fluids, including glucose, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and amino acids' or 'overall solute concentration'. Option C correctly distinguishes between the stimuli detected by these two types of receptors. Options A, B, and D contain inaccuracies regarding their functions or mechanisms.