Final answer:
The three characteristics that determine the kind and amount of material that can be transferred across the membrane are particle size, temperature, and surface area and thickness of the membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three characteristics that determine the kind and amount of material that can be transferred across the membrane are:
- Particle size: Smaller molecules can pass through the membrane more easily than larger molecules. For example, gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide can easily diffuse across the membrane.
- Temperature: Higher temperatures generally increase the rate of diffusion because particles have more kinetic energy. This allows them to move faster, resulting in faster diffusion.
- Surface area and thickness of the membrane: A larger surface area of the membrane increases the rate of diffusion, while a thicker membrane reduces it. This is because a larger surface area provides more space for molecules to pass through, while a thicker membrane creates a longer distance for molecules to traverse.