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Small molecules can successfully traverse the cell membrane through processes such as passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport. Passive diffusion allows molecules to move across the membrane without the need for energy, while facilitated diffusion involves the assistance of transport proteins. Active transport requires energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient. These mechanisms enable small molecules to enter or exit the cell as needed.

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6mo ago

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

Small nonpolar molecules pass through the lipid bilayer of the membrane, as they can easily dissolve in the hydrophobic core of the membrane. In contrast, small polar molecules can also traverse the membrane but typically do so through specific protein channels or transporters that facilitate their movement across the hydrophobic region. Overall, the lipid bilayer serves as a barrier for polar substances, while nonpolar substances can diffuse freely.


How do small molecules get through the cell membrane against a concentration?

How do small molecules get through a cell membrane


Can small hydrophobic molecules cross the cell membrane?

Yes, small hydrophobic molecules can cross the cell membrane.


Can small polar molecules cross the cell membrane?

Yes, small polar molecules can cross the cell membrane through a process called passive diffusion.


What part of the cell membrane allows small molecules to pass through?

the cell membrane


Why do small nonpolar molecules cross a membrane?

Small nonpolar molecules can cross a membrane easily because they are able to pass through the lipid bilayer of the membrane due to their size and lack of charge, allowing them to move freely across 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.


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 kind of molecules can easily pass through a cell membrane?

Small, Non-polar molecules. If the molecule is polar, it sticks to both sides of the membrane, and has to go through selective routes. The easiest to get through is the Non-polar (oxygen and carbon).


What goes through the cell membrane?

Small non-polar molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as small uncharged polar molecules like water, can diffuse through the cell membrane. Larger polar molecules and ions typically require protein channels or transporters to pass through the cell membrane.


How are smaller molecules like o2 and co2 able to pass through the openings of the cell membrane?

Smaller molecules like O2 (oxygen) and CO2 (carbon dioxide) can pass through the cell membrane by a process called simple diffusion. This occurs because these nonpolar molecules can easily move through the lipid bilayer of the membrane, which is hydrophobic in nature. Their small size and lack of charge allow them to traverse the membrane without the need for transport proteins or energy input. As a result, they can enter and exit the cell freely, maintaining the necessary balance of gases for cellular processes.


What type of molecules can permeate the plasma membrane?

Any molecule smaller than the holes in the membrane can pass through is the membrane is permeable. If the membrane is semi-permeable, then only molecules that the membrane selects can pass through. Electronegativity and existence of lipid layers are common selective traits for semi-permeable membranes.