Final answer:
The transport of oxygen through biological membranes is facilitated by their composition and is temperature-sensitive. Synthetic membranes' oxygen permeability is engineered and also affected by temperature, while in water, oxygen transport relies on diffusion and solubility, which are influenced by temperature as well.
Step-by-step explanation:
To analyze the transport of oxygen through biological membranes compared to water and synthetic membranes, we must consider both membrane composition and temperature. Biological membranes are typically composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, which facilitate the selective transport of molecules like oxygen. In nature, the transport of oxygen through biological membranes is crucial for respiration in cells. The efficiency of oxygen transport can be affected by temperature, as an increase typically leads to enhanced membrane fluidity and permeability.
In contrast, synthetic membranes, which can be made from materials like silicone or Teflon, often have a more uniform structure and can be engineered to have specific permeabilities. Temperature changes also affect synthetic membranes, but the relationship is dependent on the material properties. Water, as a medium for oxygen transport, differs from membrane transport as it relies on diffusion rather than facilitated or active transport, and temperature can affect the solubility and diffusion rate of oxygen in water.
In summary, the transport of oxygen is different in each medium due to the inherent differences in composition and the role of temperature in altering either the membrane dynamics or solubility and diffusion coefficients in water.