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Biology 16 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

Why does the pores in a cell membrane have to be larger for glucose molecules to pass through?

OpenStudy (tywower):

@One098

OpenStudy (tywower):

what do u think One?

OpenStudy (one098):

Well do you know what pores in a cell membrane do? What's their function?

OpenStudy (one098):

@lizard303

OpenStudy (tywower):

@Abhisar

OpenStudy (tywower):

the master of biology has arrived :)

OpenStudy (tywower):

what do u think @Abhisar?

OpenStudy (abhisar):

Most basic explanation to this can be `because glucose molecules are large enough`

OpenStudy (tywower):

tht makes sense hopefully the guy didn't forget about his question lol

OpenStudy (abhisar):

The selective permeability of biological membranes to small molecules allows the cell to control and maintain its internal composition. Only small uncharged molecules can diffuse freely through phospholipid bilayers (Figure 2.49). Small nonpolar molecules, such as O2 and CO2, are soluble in the lipid bilayer and therefore can readily cross cell membranes. Small uncharged polar molecules, such as H2O, also can diffuse through membranes, but larger uncharged polar molecules, such as glucose, cannot. Charged molecules, such as ions, are unable to diffuse through a phospholipid bilayer regardless of size; even H+ ions cannot cross a lipid bilayer by free diffusion. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9928/

OpenStudy (tywower):

oh jeez tht should help him!

OpenStudy (abhisar):

Hope so :)

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