Question

Which of the following would not increase the rate of simple diffusion across the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane?

A. Increased temperature
B. Larger concentration gradient
C. Smaller molecular size
D. Addition of carrier proteins

Answer 1

The addition of carrier proteins would not increase the rate of simple diffusion across the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane.

Step-by-step explanation:

Simple diffusion across the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane is influenced by several factors. In this case, the factor that would not increase the rate of diffusion is the addition of carrier proteins (Option D).

Carrier proteins are involved in facilitated diffusion, a process used for substances that cannot cross the lipid bilayer directly. The other options, such as increased temperature, larger concentration gradient, and smaller molecular size, would all increase the rate of simple diffusion.