Which statement correctly describes, why ions are unable to cross the plasma membrane without channel proteins?
Correct answer: B. They are unable to cross the hydrophobic tails of the lipid bilayer.
- A. They are unable to cross the hydrophilic phosphate heads of the lipid bilayer.
- B. They are unable to cross the hydrophobic tails of the lipid bilayer.
- C. They are unable to cross both the phosphate heads and fatty acid chains of the lipid bilayer.
- D. They are too big to cross the plasma membrane.
Explanation
Ions being are hydrophilic in nature and so are repelled by the hydrophobic interior of the plasma membrane which consists of hydrophobic fatty acid chains. This prevents the ions from freely crossing the membrane without any channel or carrier proteins.
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