Question

What molecules have a medium chance of getting through a lipid bilayer, but most likely won't? Examples?

Answer 1

Hydrophobic molecules can easily pass through the lipid bilayer, while ions and polar molecules cannot.

Step-by-step explanation:

Only certain types of molecules can easily pass through the lipid bilayer. Hydrophobic molecules, such as carbon dioxide and oxygen, can easily pass through because they are water-hating and can dissolve in the hydrophobic interior of the bilayer. On the other hand, ions and polar molecules, such as water, cannot pass through because they are water-loving and are repelled by the hydrophobic tails of the lipids. Additionally, large molecules like sugars and proteins are too big to pass through the bilayer.