Why should it not be surprising that for many cells water requires a protein for its transport across a membrane?
A)Water is very polar which inhibits its free diffusion across the membrane.
B)All molecules require transport proteins to cross a membrane.
C)The transport protein is needed to prevent the hydrolysis of the phospholipid chains as water crosses the membrane.
D)There is never a concentration gradient for water across the membrane to drive its transport.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Water is a highly polar molecule that is unable to pass through the nonpolar, hydrophobic interior of the lipid bilayer. Therefore, it requires help from specialized transport proteins, such as aquaporins, to facilitate its movement across the membrane. This is a common feature of many cells and should not be surprising.

Why Should It Not Be Surprising That for Many Cells