Verified Solution Biology Cell: The Unit of Life

Imagine an artificial membrane composed solely of a phospholipid bilayer. Which substance would be most likely to cross this membrane by simple diffusion at a significant rate without the aid of transport proteins?

7 views 2 helpful Updated Jul 21, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • AGlucose
  • BSodium ions (Na+)
  • CWater
  • DA large protein (e.g., albumin)
Explanation

Water is a small, uncharged polar molecule. While polar, its small size allows it to pass through the lipid bilayer via simple diffusion, though aquaporins enhance its movement in biological membranes. Glucose, ions, and large proteins require transport proteins.

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