Question

select the true statements.
carbon dioxide, a small nonpolar molecule, can freely pass through the lipid bilayer.
positively charged potassium ions can freely pass through the lipid bilayer.
the inner core of the lipid bilayer repels polar molecules like water.
the outer parts of the lipid bilayer repel polar molecules like water.

Explanation:

• Carbon dioxide: Small non - polar molecules can pass through the lipid bilayer via simple diffusion. Since \(CO_2\) is non - polar, it can freely pass.
• Potassium ions: Ions (\(K^+\) is positively charged) are polar. The non - polar inner core of the lipid bilayer repels polar substances. So, \(K^+\) cannot freely pass.
• Inner core of lipid bilayer: Composed of non - polar fatty acid tails. Polar molecules (e.g., water) are repelled by non - polar regions.
• Outer parts of lipid bilayer: Composed of polar phosphate heads. Polar molecules (e.g., water) are attracted to polar regions, not repelled.

Answer:

• Carbon dioxide, a small nonpolar molecule, can freely pass through the lipid bilayer.
• The inner core of the lipid bilayer repels polar molecules like water.