Question

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

A) smaller size

B) greater concentration gradient

C) greater number of protein carriers

D) greater available surface area

E) greater lipid solubility

Answer 1

The factor that would NOT increase the rate of simple diffusion is 'C) greater number of protein carriers,' since simple diffusion does not involve these proteins.

Step-by-step explanation:

The increase the rate of simple diffusion across a phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane is influenced by factors such as molecule size, concentration gradient, membrane surface area, and lipid solubility.

The option that would NOT increase the rate of simple diffusion is: C) greater number of protein carriers. This is because simple diffusion does not require protein carriers, which are instead involved in facilitated diffusion for compounds that cannot freely cross the membrane due to their size, charge, or polarity.