answersLogoWhite

0

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.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

6mo ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Can small hydrophobic molecules cross the cell membrane?

Yes, small hydrophobic molecules can cross the cell 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 does hydrophobic molecules cross the plasma membrane while hydropilic cannot?

Hydrophobic molecules can easily cross the plasma membrane because they are nonpolar and can dissolve in the lipid bilayer, allowing them to pass through without assistance. In contrast, hydrophilic molecules are polar and cannot easily penetrate the hydrophobic core of the membrane, which acts as a barrier to their passage. As a result, hydrophilic substances often require specific transport proteins or channels to help them cross the membrane.


Can hydrophobic molecules pass through a membrane?

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


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.


How do polar molecules cross the cell membrane?

Polar molecules cross the cell membrane through a process called facilitated diffusion, where they move with the help of specific transport proteins embedded in the membrane. These proteins create channels or carriers that allow polar molecules to pass through the hydrophobic interior of the membrane.


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.


Can large hydrophobic molecules cross cell membranes?

Yes, large hydrophobic molecules can cross cell membranes through passive diffusion.


Do hydrophobic molecules cross cell membranes?

Yes, hydrophobic molecules can cross cell membranes because cell membranes are made up of a phospholipid bilayer that is permeable to nonpolar molecules like hydrophobic ones.


Which part of membrane is hydrophobic?

The lipid bilayer of the cell membrane is hydrophobic, composed of fatty acid tails that repel water molecules. This hydrophobic core provides a barrier that prevents water-soluble molecules from freely passing through the membrane.


How easy or hard is it for polar molecules to pass through the cell membrane?

Polar molecules are effectively charged molecules. It's hard for them to cross the cell membrane because the membrane is comprised of an uncharged phospholipid bilayer. Charged molecules tend to have specific protein channels that allow them to cross the membrane.


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.