Question

How would a small, uncharged lipid move across the cell membrane?

o through simple diffusion, down the concentration gradient
O through simple diffusion, against the concentration gradient
o through facilitated diffusion, down the concentration gradient
O through facilitated diffusion, against the concentration gradient

Answer 1

Through simple diffusion, down the concentration gradient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phospholipids of the membrane are amphipathic with hydrophillic heads and hydrophobic tails. Other polar molecules cannot go through this hydrophobic interior. Since small uncharged lipids are non polar and hydrohobic, they are able to go through the membrane without the help of transport proteins. Therefore, the last two options can be ruled out because facilitated diffusion includes the use of a protein. Diffusion involves molecules moving down the concentration gradient so the second option can be ruled out.