How does the chemical composition of the cell membrane facilitate its function as a selective barrier?
BACK
The phospholipid bilayer's amphipathic nature (hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails) prevents polar/charged molecules from passing through the hydrophobic core without specific protein channels, while allowing small nonpolar molecules to diffuse freely.
FRONT
How does the chemical composition of the cell membrane facilitate its function as a selective barrier?
BACK
The phospholipid bilayer's amphipathic nature (hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails) prevents polar/charged molecules from passing through the hydrophobic core without specific protein channels, while allowing small nonpolar molecules to diffuse freely.
