1) There is a higher number of hydrophilic molecules outside the cell than inside. Which conditions could equalize the intracellular and extracellular concentrations of this molecule? A. Avoid inserting any transport proteins in the membrane. B. Install only pumps directed into the cytoplasm in the membrane. C. Insert carrier proteins in the membrane. D. Insert pumps directed both into the cytoplasm and out of the cell in the membrane. 2) Which method would be the most metabolically efficient for a cell to balance the intracellular and extracellular concentrations of this molecule? A. Avoid inserting any transport proteins in the membrane. B. Install only pumps directed into the cytoplasm in the membrane. C. Insert carrier proteins in the membrane. D. Insert pumps directed both into the cytoplasm and out of the cell in the membrane.

1) The condition that could equalize the intracellular and extracellular concentrations of hydrophilic molecules would be C. Insert carrier proteins in the membrane.

Carrier proteins can facilitate the transport of molecules like ions and small molecules across the cell membrane. They can work passively to even out concentration differences between the inside and outside of the cell by allowing substances to move along their concentration gradient until equilibrium is reached.

2) The most metabolically efficient method for a cell to balance the intracellular and extracellular concentrations of a molecule would likely be C. Insert carrier proteins in the membrane.

Carrier proteins that facilitate passive transport do not require energy to function. They allow the movement of substances across the cell membrane without the use of ATP, consequently being a metabolically efficient way to achieve balance between concentrations.