Chapter 11, Problem 7Q

Summary Introduction

To review:

The modes of transportation of the following molecules across the plasma membrane:

a. CO₂ (Carbon dioxide)

b. Glucose

c. Cl^– (Chloride ions)

d. K⁺ (Potassium ions)

e. Fat molecules

f.α-Tocopherol

Introduction:

The transportation of a typical biomolecule across the plasma membrane depends on the chemical nature of the molecule. In case a molecule is nonpolar, it can readily pass through the plasma membrane, while polar molecules fail to directly pass through the plasma membrane. Moreover, charged molecules are, typically, not allowed to passthrough the lipid bilayer and require the mediation of a transporter protein.