Question

What is permeability of cell membrane?

Answer 1

Cell membrane permeability:

1. The cell membrane is a semi-permeable membrane that allows only selected molecular entities to pass through it.
2. The ease with which a molecule can pass through the cell membrane is known as the permeability of the cell membrane.
3. It also refers to the rate at which the passive diffusion occurs through the cell membrane.

Factors affecting cell membrane permeability:

1. Amount of cholesterol in the membrane: Higher the cholesterol, the lower the permeability.
2. Temperature: An increase in temperature increases the permeability, but above 45°C, the permeability of the membrane decreases.
3. pH: Increase or decrease in normal pH i.e. 7, decreases the membrane permeability.
4. Type of molecule: Neutral molecules are easy to pass as compared to charged molecules.