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What specific structures and or characteristics make biological membranes differentially permeable?

The phospholipids let small and hydrophobic molecules through, this is called passive transport and concerns O2 and H2O. Since that's not all a cell needs, it builds special transporter proteins between the phospholipids to let hydrophilic and big molecules pass. This transport process is driven by concentration difference or active by ATP-cost and brings glucose and the like into the cell.


What substances normally fail to cross cell membranes under any circumstances?

Large molecules such as proteins and polysaccharides typically do not cross cell membranes. Additionally, charged ions like sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) may have difficulty passing through cell membranes due to their charge.


What can't pass through the phospholipid bilayer?

Large molecules such as proteins, charged ions, and polar molecules have difficulty passing through the phospholipid bilayer due to its hydrophobic core. These molecules often require assistance from transport proteins or channels to facilitate their movement across the membrane.


Why is the plasma membrane selectively permeable?

The plasma membrane is selectively permeable because it needs to allow certain things in and certain things out.The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable membrane as it allows the entry and exit of some selected substances only.


How are cell membranes permeable?

It is semi-permeable. Small, polar molecules (like water) can pass through, as can non- polar molecules (like steroids). However, since the inside of the double-layered plasma membrane is non-polar, large polar molecules require channels or transport proteins to get inside the cell.

Related Questions

Is the polar head of a phospholipid made of molecules?

Phosphate molecules.


What is phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane least permeable to?

The phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane is least permeable to charged molecules such as ions and large molecules like proteins. These molecules have difficulty crossing the hydrophobic interior of the lipid bilayer.


What is the other group that a phospholipids head made up of besides alcohol?

Beside alcohol, the head group of a phospholipid can be made up of a charged or polar group, such as choline, serine, or ethanolamine. These groups help determine the overall properties of the phospholipid and its interactions with other molecules in cell membranes.


What specific structures and or characteristics make biological membranes differentially permeable?

The phospholipids let small and hydrophobic molecules through, this is called passive transport and concerns O2 and H2O. Since that's not all a cell needs, it builds special transporter proteins between the phospholipids to let hydrophilic and big molecules pass. This transport process is driven by concentration difference or active by ATP-cost and brings glucose and the like into the cell.


The head of the phospholipid is?

The head of a phospholipid molecule is hydrophilic, meaning it interacts well with water. This phosphate-containing region has a charged or polar nature, allowing it to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. This hydrophilic head faces outwards towards the water in cellular membranes.


The phosphate group of a phospholipid?

The phosphate group of a phospholipid is a charged, hydrophilic region that is typically located at one end of the molecule. It contributes to the overall polarity of the phospholipid molecule, making it amphipathic and allowing it to form cell membranes. The phosphate group can interact with water molecules, helping to stabilize the lipid bilayer structure.


What substances normally fail to cross cell membranes under any circumstances?

Large molecules such as proteins and polysaccharides typically do not cross cell membranes. Additionally, charged ions like sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) may have difficulty passing through cell membranes due to their charge.


What can cross the phospholipid bilayer?

Small, non-polar molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide can easily cross the phospholipid bilayer of a cell membrane. Larger or charged molecules typically need the help of transport proteins to pass through.


What can pass through the phospholipid bilayer?

Small, non-polar molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide can pass through the phospholipid bilayer easily. Larger or charged molecules may need special transport proteins to help them cross.


What can't pass through the phospholipid bilayer?

Large molecules such as proteins, charged ions, and polar molecules have difficulty passing through the phospholipid bilayer due to its hydrophobic core. These molecules often require assistance from transport proteins or channels to facilitate their movement across the membrane.


What are 2 characteristics of substances that do not allow them to pass through semipermeable membranes of living cells?

Large molecular size and hydrophobicity are two characteristics that prevent substances from passing through semipermeable membranes of living cells. Large molecules cannot fit through the small pores of the membrane, while hydrophobic molecules are repelled by the hydrophilic nature of the phospholipid bilayer.


Why is the plasma membrane selectively permeable?

The plasma membrane is selectively permeable because it needs to allow certain things in and certain things out.The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable membrane as it allows the entry and exit of some selected substances only.