In an experiment involving planar bilayers, a solution of table salt sodium and chloride ions in water) is added on the left side of the membrane, while pure water is added on the right side. After 30 minutes, the researchers test for the presence of ions on each side of the membrane. The right side tests negative for ions. What can you conclude?
A) The water somehow blocked the movement of ions across the membrane.
B) The left side would probably also test negative for ions.
C) Ions cannot cross planar bilayers.
D) The experiment failed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ions generally cannot cross planar bilayers without the aid of ion channels or transporters because the hydrophobic core of the bilayer acts as a barrier to the passage of charged species.

In an Experiment Involving Planar Bilayers, a Solution of Table