The rate of diffusion through a selectively permeable membrane will be lowest when ____.
I.concentration gradients are steep
II.temperatures are low
III.solutes are small molecules
A) I only
B) II only
C) I and III
D) II and III
E) I, II, and III

Question

The rate of diffusion through a selectively permeable membrane will be lowest when ____.
I.concentration gradients are steep
II.temperatures are low
III.solutes are small molecules​
A) ​I only
B) ​II only
C) ​I and III
D) ​II and III
E) I, II, and III​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of diffusion is influenced by various factors, including the concentration gradient, temperature, size of the solute molecule, and properties of the membrane. However, the question asks for the condition that leads to the lowest rate of diffusion, so we need to identify the factor that inhibits diffusion the most. Lower temperatures reduce the kinetic energy of the molecules, which in turn reduces the frequency of collisions and the speed of diffusion. Therefore, a low temperature would inhibit diffusion more than other factors, such as the size of the solute molecule or the steepness of the concentration gradient. Choice B is the only option that includes temperature as a factor that inhibits diffusion, so it's the best answer.

The Rate of Diffusion Through a Selectively Permeable Membrane Will