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Membranes are most permeable to which of the following:

a. Ca²⁺
b. Cl⁻
c. H₂O
d. K⁺

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Cell membranes are most permeable to water (H2O) because it can easily pass through aquaporins, whereas ions like Ca2+, Cl−, and K+ require specific ion channels to be transported across the membrane.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cell membranes are selectively permeable structures that regulate the passage of substances into and out of cells. While membranes are impermeable to electrically charged ions such as sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl−), and calcium (Ca2+), they are most permeable to water (H2O), which can easily pass through due to its small size and ability to move through aquaporins, specialized channels for water. Ions like Ca2+, Cl−, and K+ require specific ion channel proteins to facilitate their transport across the hydrophobic interior of the membrane due to their polar nature.

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