1. Size of the Molecule: The size of the molecule is a significant factor that affects the permeability of the cell membrane. Smaller molecules can easily pass through the cell membrane, while larger molecules require special mechanisms such as carrier proteins to facilitate their transport across the membrane.

2. Polarity of the Molecule: The cell membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer which is hydrophobic (water-repelling) in nature. Therefore, non-polar (hydrophobic) molecules can easily pass through the cell membrane. In contrast, polar (hydrophilic) molecules and ions cannot easily cross the cell membrane without the help of specific transport proteins.

3. Charge of the Molecule: Charged molecules, whether positive or negative, find it difficult to cross the cell membrane due to the hydrophobic nature of the lipid bilayer. They usually require the assistance of transport proteins to cross the cell membrane. For example, ions such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Cl- require ion channels to cross the cell membrane.

Question

1. Size of the Molecule: The size of the molecule is a significant factor that affects the permeability of the cell membrane. Smaller molecules can easily pass through the cell membrane, while larger molecules require special mechanisms such as carrier proteins to facilitate their transport across the membrane.

2. Polarity of the Molecule: The cell membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer which is hydrophobic (water-repelling) in nature. Therefore, non-polar (hydrophobic) molecules can easily pass through the cell membrane. In contrast, polar (hydrophilic) molecules and ions cannot easily cross the cell membrane without the help of specific transport proteins.

3. Charge of the Molecule: Charged molecules, whether positive or negative, find it difficult to cross the cell membrane due to the hydrophobic nature of the lipid bilayer. They usually require the assistance of transport proteins to cross the cell membrane. For example, ions such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Cl- require ion channels to cross the cell membrane.

Knowee AI · Accepted Answer

1. Size of the Molecule: The size of the molecule is a significant factor that affects the permeability of the cell membrane. Smaller molecules can easily pass through the cell membrane, while larger molecules require special mechanisms such as carrier proteins to facilitate their transport across the membrane.

2. Polarity of the Molecule: The cell membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer which is hydrophobic (water-repelling) in nature. Therefore, non-polar (hydrophobic) molecules can easily pass through the cell membrane. In contrast, polar (hydrophilic) molecules and ions cannot easily cross the cell membrane without the help of specific transport proteins.

3. Charge of the Molecule: Charged molecules, whether positive or negative, find it difficult to cross the cell membrane due to the hydrophobic nature of the lipid bilayer. They usually require the assistance of transport proteins to cross the cell membrane. For example, ions such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Cl- require ion channels to cross the cell membrane.

dentify and outline three characteristics of molecules that affect the permeability of the cell membrane to them

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Identify and outline three characteristics of molecules that affect the permeability of the cell membrane to them

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