Question

A "mystery molecule" was isolated in a laboratory and scientists found that the molecule readily crossed artificial membranes. Which of the following molecules can be ruled out as the "mystery molecule?

a. nitrogen
b. oxygen
c. carbon dioxide
d. calcium chloride
e. water

Answer 1

Calcium Chloride can be ruled out

Step-by-step explanation:

• Calcium chloride can be ruled out from the given options because it is a charged molecule(charged molecules doesn't diffuse across the membrane)
• Oxygen, Carbon dioxide and Nitrogen are Small in size and Hydrophobic so they will be diffused out(fast diffusion will be observed in this case)
• Water is small in size and hydrophilic in nature and hence there will be very slow diffusion.