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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.
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 oxygen easily cross the plasma membrane but sodium ions are unable to cross the plasma membrane?
Oxygen is a small, nonpolar molecule that can cross the plasma membrane via simple diffusion. Sodium ions, on the other hand, are charged and larger molecules that cannot easily pass through the hydrophobic interior of the plasma membrane. Sodium must rely on specific transport proteins like ion channels or pumps to cross the membrane.
What substance will diffuse through a membrane?
Substances that are small, nonpolar, and uncharged will diffuse through a membrane easily. This includes gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as small lipophilic molecules. Larger or charged molecules may require assistance from transport proteins to cross the membrane.
What molecules can freely cross the plasma membrane?
Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Cholesterol. (Check out, 'fluid mosaic')
Can small hydrophobic molecules cross the cell membrane?
Yes, small hydrophobic molecules can cross the cell membrane.
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.
Can small polar molecules cross the cell membrane?
Yes, small polar molecules can cross the cell membrane through a process called passive diffusion.
What feature of a membrane describes weather molecules can cross the membrane?
The feature of a membrane that determines whether molecules can cross is its selective permeability. This characteristic arises from the lipid bilayer structure, which allows certain small, nonpolar molecules to pass through freely while restricting larger, polar, or charged molecules. Additionally, specific transport proteins facilitate the movement of these restricted molecules across the membrane, either passively or actively. Thus, the composition and arrangement of the membrane's components play a crucial role in regulating molecular transport.
Why hydrophobic molecules can easily cross the plasma membrane?
Hydrophobic molecules can easily cross the plasma membrane because they are nonpolar and can easily dissolve in the lipid bilayer, which is primarily composed of phospholipids with hydrophobic tails. This compatibility allows them to pass through the membrane without requiring energy or specific transport proteins. As a result, small hydrophobic molecules, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, can diffuse freely across the membrane, facilitating their movement in and out of the cell.
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.
What compound can pass freely through a plasma membrane?
Small, nonpolar molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide can pass freely through a plasma membrane. These molecules can diffuse directly through the lipid bilayer due to their size and hydrophobic nature. Additionally, small uncharged polar molecules like water can also cross the membrane, albeit at a slower rate, often facilitated by specific channels.
Why can oxygen easily cross the plasma membrane but sodium ions are unable to cross the plasma membrane?
Oxygen is a small, nonpolar molecule that can cross the plasma membrane via simple diffusion. Sodium ions, on the other hand, are charged and larger molecules that cannot easily pass through the hydrophobic interior of the plasma membrane. Sodium must rely on specific transport proteins like ion channels or pumps to cross the membrane.
What are the properties of solutes that can cross a membrane by simple diffusion?
Solutes that can cross a membrane by simple diffusion are typically small, nonpolar molecules or lipid-soluble molecules. These solutes can move freely across the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane without the need for a protein channel or transporter. Examples include gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as small hydrophobic molecules.
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.
What substance will diffuse through a membrane?
Substances that are small, nonpolar, and uncharged will diffuse through a membrane easily. This includes gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as small lipophilic molecules. Larger or charged molecules may require assistance from transport proteins to cross the membrane.
