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Yes, hydrophobic molecules can pass through a membrane because the lipid bilayer of the membrane is also hydrophobic, allowing them to move through easily.

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Why do hydrophobic molecules pass through cell membranes easily?

Hydrophobic molecules pass through cell membranes easily because the cell membrane is made up of a double layer of lipids, which are also hydrophobic. This allows hydrophobic molecules to dissolve in the lipid layer and pass through the membrane without resistance.


Why can hydrophobic molecules cross the membrane?

Hydrophobic molecules can cross the cell membrane because the membrane is made up of a double layer of lipids, which are also hydrophobic. This allows hydrophobic molecules to pass through the membrane easily, while hydrophilic molecules have a harder time crossing.


Why can small hydrophobic molecules cross the membrane?

Small hydrophobic molecules can cross the cell membrane easily because the membrane is made up of a lipid bilayer that repels water but allows non-polar molecules, like hydrophobic ones, to pass through.


Why can't charged molecules pass through the membrane?

Charged molecules cannot pass through the membrane because the membrane is selectively permeable, meaning it only allows certain substances to pass through based on their size and charge. The charged molecules are repelled by the hydrophobic interior of the membrane, which prevents them from crossing.


What are the differences between hydrophilic and hydrophobic cell membranes and how do these differences impact the movement of molecules across the membrane?

Hydrophilic cell membranes are attracted to water, while hydrophobic cell membranes repel water. The differences impact the movement of molecules across the membrane because hydrophilic molecules can easily pass through hydrophilic membranes, while hydrophobic molecules can pass through hydrophobic membranes. This selective permeability allows the cell to control what substances enter and exit.

Related Questions

Why do hydrophobic molecules pass through cell membranes easily?

Hydrophobic molecules pass through cell membranes easily because the cell membrane is made up of a double layer of lipids, which are also hydrophobic. This allows hydrophobic molecules to dissolve in the lipid layer and pass through the membrane without resistance.


Why can hydrophobic molecules cross the membrane?

Hydrophobic molecules can cross the cell membrane because the membrane is made up of a double layer of lipids, which are also hydrophobic. This allows hydrophobic molecules to pass through the membrane easily, while hydrophilic molecules have a harder time crossing.


Do Hydrophobic molecules pass through the fatty-acid region of the plasma membrane easily?

Yes, hydrophobic molecules pass through the fatty-acid region of the plasma membrane easily due to their similar hydrophobic nature. The nonpolar tails of the phospholipids in the membrane provide a favorable environment for hydrophobic molecules to move across.


Which molecules difuse through the lipid portion of the plasma membrane?

Only nonpolar (hydrophobic) molecules can pass through the bi-lipid membrane. For example, hormones are nonpolar, and they can pass through the membrane.


Why can small hydrophobic molecules cross the membrane?

Small hydrophobic molecules can cross the cell membrane easily because the membrane is made up of a lipid bilayer that repels water but allows non-polar molecules, like hydrophobic ones, to pass through.


Why can't charged molecules pass through the membrane?

Charged molecules cannot pass through the membrane because the membrane is selectively permeable, meaning it only allows certain substances to pass through based on their size and charge. The charged molecules are repelled by the hydrophobic interior of the membrane, which prevents them from crossing.


Where exactly in the membrane do small nonpolar and small polar molecules pass through?

Small nonpolar molecules pass through the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane primarily through simple diffusion, as they can easily dissolve in the hydrophobic core of the membrane. In contrast, small polar molecules typically require specific transport proteins, such as channels or carriers, because their polarity prevents them from easily crossing the hydrophobic interior of the membrane. While some small polar molecules can pass through the membrane via facilitated diffusion, it is generally more challenging compared to nonpolar molecules.


What are the differences between hydrophilic and hydrophobic cell membranes and how do these differences impact the movement of molecules across the membrane?

Hydrophilic cell membranes are attracted to water, while hydrophobic cell membranes repel water. The differences impact the movement of molecules across the membrane because hydrophilic molecules can easily pass through hydrophilic membranes, while hydrophobic molecules can pass through hydrophobic membranes. This selective permeability allows the cell to control what substances enter and exit.


How do small polar molecules pass through the cell membrane?

Small polar molecules can pass through the cell membrane by using protein channels or carriers that facilitate their movement across the lipid bilayer. These channels and carriers help the molecules navigate through the hydrophobic interior of the membrane, allowing them to enter or exit the cell as needed.


What molecules are permeable to the cell membrane?

Hydrophobic molecules are permeable to the cell membrane. Anything that is samll and hydrophobic will pass easily. Larger, hydrophilic molecules require a transport protein to allow permeability.


Explain how hydrophobic molecules cross cell membranes?

cell membranes are made of a lipid bilayer, molecules with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails. These molecules arrange in parallel lines with the tails facing inwards towards each other and the heads facing outwards towards the water. Hydrophobic molecules are drawn into the lipid bilayer, trying to get away from the water.


Can charged molecules pass through the membrane?

Yes, charged molecules can pass through the membrane.