Final answer:
Piercing the lipid bilayer can disrupt cellular homeostasis and processes, leading to uncontrolled substance flow into and out of the cell, and possibly cell lysis. The bilayer's selective permeability is crucial for cell survival, as it regulates the passage of molecules, with some requiring assistance to cross the membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the lipid bilayer is pierced, it can lead to a loss of cellular homeostasis, potential cell lysis if too many substances flow uncontrollably, and disruption of important cellular processes. The lipid bilayer's integrity is essential for cell survival and function, as it maintains the proper environment for biochemical reactions within the cell.
Substances that easily diffuse through the lipid bilayer are typically small, nonpolar molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide. This is due to the hydrophobic core of the bilayer, which repels polar and charged substances, preventing them from passing through without assistance.
If the lipid bilayer is compromised, it can lead to the plasma membrane losing its selective permeability. This can result in harmful substances entering the cell, loss of essential ions and molecules, and if severe enough, can cause the cell to swell and burst in a process known as lysis. The mosaic-like structure of the membrane is dependent on the integrity of the lipid bilayer, and damage to it can cause irreparable harm to the cell.