Answered: Why is it advantageous for the cell…

Concepts of Biology

1st Edition

ISBN:9781938168116

Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise

Publisher:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise

Chapter3: Cell Structure And Function

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 18CTQ: Why is it advantageous for the cell membrane to be fluid in nature?

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Why is it advantageous for the cell membrane to be fluid
in nature?

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Step 1

Cell membranes serve as barriers and gatekeepers. They are semi-permeable, which means that some molecules can diffuse across the lipid bilayer but others cannot. Small hydrophobic molecules and gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide cross membranes rapidly. Small polar molecules, such as water and ethanol, can also pass through membranes, but they do so more slowly. On the other hand, cell membranes restrict diffusion of highly charged molecules, such as ions, and large molecules, such as sugars and amino acids. The passage of these molecules relies on specific transport proteins embedded in the membrane.

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