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Oxygen molecules are small and non-polar, allowing them to easily pass through the lipid bilayer of a cell membrane via simple diffusion. Proteins, on the other hand, are typically large and polar molecules that cannot readily pass through the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer. Instead, proteins rely on specific transport mechanisms like protein channels or carriers to cross the cell membrane.

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Why can oxygen diffuse across a cell membrane but a protein can't?

Oxygen is a small, non-polar molecule that can passively diffuse across the lipid bilayer of a cell membrane. Proteins, on the other hand, are larger and more complex molecules that cannot pass through the hydrophobic core of the membrane. Instead, proteins are transported into or out of cells through specific channels or transporters.


What is an impermeable solute?

An impermeable solute is a substance that cannot pass through a semipermeable membrane, such as a cell membrane. This means that the solute is unable to diffuse or move across the membrane and remains on one side of the membrane.


Can Iodine Potassium Iodine when mixed with a starch diffuse through a semipermeable membrane?

No, iodine potassium iodide mixed with starch cannot diffuse through a semipermeable membrane because the starch molecules are too large to pass through the pores of the membrane. Only smaller molecules like iodine will be able to pass through.


What type of molecules cannot pass through the lipid bilayer of a cell membrane through diffusion?

Ions cannot pass through such as Na+ and K+ - these require membrane proteins. Some larged polar molecules cannot cross either - such as glucose and sucrose - these also require membrane proteins.


Which molecule would most likely be actively transported?

A larger molecule or a polar molecule that cannot passively diffuse through the cell membrane would most likely be actively transported. Examples include glucose, ions (such as sodium and potassium), and amino acids.

Related Questions

Why can oxygen diffuse across a cells membrane but a protein cannot?

Proteins are to large or Oxygen is much smaller than a protein.


What are three macromolecules that cannot diffuse across a cell membrane?

Any protein, any fat, and most polypeptides.


Why can oxygen diffuse across a cell membrane but a protein?

Its too large


Why can oxygen diffuse across a cell membrane but a protein cannot-?

Proteins are to large or Oxygen is much smaller than a protein.


Why can oxygen diffuse across a cell membrane but a protein can't?

Oxygen is a small, non-polar molecule that can passively diffuse across the lipid bilayer of a cell membrane. Proteins, on the other hand, are larger and more complex molecules that cannot pass through the hydrophobic core of the membrane. Instead, proteins are transported into or out of cells through specific channels or transporters.


What the role of protein channels in the cell membrane?

Protein channels are important to facilitate the transport of ions and other larger molecules across the plasma membrane. Large molecules cannot just diffuse thorough the membrane. In addition, polar molecules cannot diffuse through the membrane since it would be energetically unfavorable for them to negotiate the hydrophobic interior of the plasma membrane. Therefore, protein channels are essential in membrane transport.


What can oxygen diffuse across a cell membrane but protein cannot?

Oxygen can diffuse across a cell membrane because it is a small, nonpolar molecule that can pass through the lipid bilayer easily without the need for transport proteins. In contrast, proteins are larger and typically polar or charged, making it difficult for them to traverse the hydrophobic core of the membrane. As a result, proteins usually require specific transport mechanisms, such as channels or carriers, to cross the membrane.


Why can oxygen diffuse across s cell membrane but a protein cannot?

Oxygen can diffuse across a cell membrane because it is a small, non-polar molecule that can easily pass through the lipid bilayer of the membrane. In contrast, proteins are large and often polar or charged, making it difficult for them to traverse the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer without assistance. Proteins typically require specific transport mechanisms, such as channels or carriers, to facilitate their movement across the membrane.


Why can oxygen diffuse across the cell membrane but protein cannot?

Oxygen can diffuse across the cell membrane due to its small size and nonpolar nature, allowing it to easily pass through the lipid bilayer without the need for transport proteins. In contrast, proteins are larger and often polar or charged, making it difficult for them to traverse the hydrophobic core of the membrane. Consequently, proteins typically require specific transport mechanisms, such as channels or carriers, to facilitate their movement across the membrane.


What is an impermeable solute?

An impermeable solute is a substance that cannot pass through a semipermeable membrane, such as a cell membrane. This means that the solute is unable to diffuse or move across the membrane and remains on one side of the membrane.


Can oxygen diffuse across a cell membrane?

No, oxygen cannot directly diffuse across a cell membrane. Instead, it crosses the cell membrane with the help of specific transport proteins, such as aquaporins and oxygen channels. These proteins facilitate the movement of oxygen from areas of high concentration to low concentration.


What are the special structures in the cell membrane that allow water and sugar pass through it made of?

These special structures are called protein gates or protein channels. Water is able to diffuse through the cell membrane since it is a small molecule. However, there are channels called aquaporins that allow water to enter the cell. A glucose molecule cannot just diffuse into a cell. There are glucose channels on the surface of the cell membrane that bind glucose molecules and allow them to enter the cell.