MCAT Question of the Day
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    Q:

    		 Symptoms of infection with bacterium X include diarrhea. Bacterium X is intracellular and is known to secrete a toxin which inhibits the transfer of sodium ions from the gut into the bloodstream. Why would the inhibition of sodium transfer cause diarrhea?
    		 

    A

    		 Sodium is toxic to the gut and causes diarrhea.

    B

    		 The inability to remove sodium (and therefore salt) from the gut causes water to move into the gut and out of the body as diarrhea.

    C

    		 Sodium transfer across the epithelium generates ATP which is necessary for the removal of water from the gut and prevention of diarrhea.

    D

    		 The removal of sodium (and therefore salt) from the gut causes the inability to absorb vitamins. This poor nutrition results in diarrhea.



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