What Kinds of Molecules Pass Through a Cell Membrane Most

Question

What kinds of molecules pass through a cell membrane most easily?
A)large and hydrophobic
B)small and hydrophobic
C)large polar
D)ionic
E)monosaccharides such as glucose

Accepted Answer

Small and hydrophobic molecules can pass through the cell membrane most easily because they can dissolve in the lipid bilayer. Large polar molecules and ions have a difficult time passing through the hydrophobic interior of the membrane, while monosaccharides require transport proteins to facilitate their passage.