Which of the following crosses lipid bilayers the fastest? A) a large, polar molecule like glucose B) a small, nonpolar molecule like oxygen O₂) C) a sodium ion D) a small, polar molecule like water

Question

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Small, nonpolar molecules like oxygen can easily pass through lipid bilayers because they can dissolve in the hydrophobic interior of the membrane. Polar molecules and ions have a harder time passing through because they are attracted to the polar heads of the membrane and cannot easily dissolve in the hydrophobic interior. Large molecules also have a harder time passing through because of their size.

Which of the Following Crosses Lipid Bilayers the Fastest