High School

We appreciate your visit to Which of the following is true of the cell membrane a It is freely permeable to electrolytes but not to water b It is freely. This page offers clear insights and highlights the essential aspects of the topic. Our goal is to provide a helpful and engaging learning experience. Explore the content and find the answers you need!

Which of the following is true of the cell membrane?

a) It is freely permeable to electrolytes but not to water.

b) It is freely permeable to water but not to electrolytes.

c) It is freely permeable to both water and electrolytes.

d) It is freely permeable to neither water nor electrolytes.

Answer :

Final answer:

The cell membrane is (b) freely permeable to water but not to electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which require transport proteins to cross the membrane. Hence, (b) is the correct option.

Explanation:

Because cell membranes are selectively permeable, some substances can pass through them while others cannot. Water can diffuse freely through the plasma membrane, a process called as osmosis.

However, electrolytes, which are ions such as sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and chloride (Cl⁻), cannot pass freely due to the hydrophobic nature of the lipid bilayer. Instead, their transport requires specific membrane transport proteins that facilitate their movement across the membrane.

Thanks for taking the time to read Which of the following is true of the cell membrane a It is freely permeable to electrolytes but not to water b It is freely. We hope the insights shared have been valuable and enhanced your understanding of the topic. Don�t hesitate to browse our website for more informative and engaging content!

Rewritten by : Barada