Question

Use yes or no too indicate which of the following molecules or ions can, or cannot, pass through the plasma membrane via simple diffusion. Provide a simple reason for each answer

Carbon Dioxide yes/no reason:
Sugar yes/no reason:
Chloride ions yes/no reason:

Answer 1

Carbon Dioxide: yes — small and nonpolar, so it dissolves in and crosses the hydrophobic lipid bilayer by simple diffusion.

Sugar: no — relatively large and polar (hydrophilic), so it cannot pass the hydrophobic core and requires transport proteins.

Chloride ions: no — charged ions cannot cross the hydrophobic membrane interior and must use ion channels or carriers.