Question

Of the following molecules, which passes through a lipid bilayer most readily?

1) Water
2) Glucose
3) Oxygen
4) Sodium chloride

Answer 1

Small, uncharged substances like oxygen and carbon dioxide, and hydrophobic molecules such as lipids, can pass through the cell membrane most readily.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lipid bilayer of the cell membrane allows small, uncharged substances like oxygen and carbon dioxide, and hydrophobic molecules such as lipids, to pass through by simple diffusion.

These molecules can freely move through the lipid bilayer because they are small and nonpolar, meaning they are not charged and are attracted to the hydrophobic interior of the membrane.