Review the properties that govern the rate at which a given solute can cross a protein-free lipid bilayer.
depends on size + solubility: small, non polar, hydrophobic are most rapid
The rate at which a given solute can cross a protein-free lipid bilayer is governed by several properties, including:
1- Size of the solute: Smaller molecules diffuse more easily across the lipid bilayer than larger ones.
2- Polarity of the solute: Nonpolar, hydrophobic molecules diffuse more easily across the lipid bilayer than polar, hydrophilic molecules.
3- Charge of the solute: Charged molecules have difficulty crossing the nonpolar lipid bilayer, which is electrically neutral.
4- Concentration gradient: Solute molecules diffuse from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, so the steeper the concentration gradient, the faster the rate of diffusion.
5- Membrane thickness: The thicker the lipid bilayer, the slower the rate of diffusion.
6- Membrane fluidity: The more fluid the membrane, the faster the rate of diffusion.
7- Temperature: Higher temperatures increase the rate of diffusion.
These properties can also affect the selectivity of the membrane for different solutes. For example, a membrane may allow only small, nonpolar molecules to pass through easily, while larger or polar molecules require the assistance of specific membrane transport proteins.
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