Sodium ions are single atoms.Why can't they simply diffuse through the cell membrane's lipid bilayer?
A)Since they are charged,ions can't cross the hydrophobic center of the membrane without a channel or pump.
B)Sodium ions are covalently attached in groups of three,which are too large to diffuse easily.
C)Ions do traverse the membrane easily,but the sodium-potassium pump moves them back across.
D)Chelator proteins capture any ions that start to cross the bilayer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since sodium ions are charged, they cannot easily cross the hydrophobic center of the membrane without a channel or pump. The lipid bilayer is hydrophobic, meaning it repels charged particles like ions. Therefore, sodium ions require specialized channels or pumps to cross the membrane.

Sodium Ions Are Single Atoms