Question

How does the cell membrane act as a barrier?

Answer 1

Cell membrane:

1. All cells have a cell membrane, also known as a plasma membrane, which separates the interior of the cell from the external environment.
2. Some of the lipids and proteins that make up the cell membrane are connected to other lipids, proteins, and carbohydrate groups.
3. The amounts of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates in the plasma membrane might vary depending on the kind of cell.
4. Cell membranes act as a barrier and gatekeeper between two distinct areas.
5. Due to their semi-permeable nature, only a small number of molecules may penetrate the lipid bilayer.
6. Gas and small hydrophobic molecules, such as oxygen and and carbon dioxide can quickly pass through membranes.
7. Water and ethanol, which are smaller polar molecules, can move through the membranes, but only slowly.
8. The diffusion of highly charged molecules and big molecules can be restricted by cell membranes.
9. A cell membrane's role in both active and passive transport is important.
10. Active transport is characterized as a process in which molecules are moved using external energy from an area of lower concentration to a region of greater concentration in opposition to a gradient or an obstruction.
11. Passive transport is the transfer of a solute from one side of the cell membrane that has a high electrochemical potential to the other side, which has a lower electrochemical potential.