Question

What characteristics allow a molecule to pass freely through a cell membrane?

Answer 1

Question: What characteristics allow a molecule to pass freely through a cell membrane?

Answer: The cell membrane is composed of a double layer of phospholipid molecules with protein. It regulates the movement of materials from in and out of the cell. The membrane permits some substances or molecules to move across it, but prevents passage of the other materials. The characteristic of the cell membrane that allows some molecules to pass freely but controls the passage of others is known as selective permeability. The selective permeability of the cell membrane is based on the size, ionic charge of the material being transported, and the solubility of the molecules involved. Proteins that present in the membrane also influence the selective permeabile nature of the cell membranes. They form membrane channels that act as the carrier molecules and transport substances across the cell membrane.