Biology

>

GCSE

Cells and Control

Question

What is it meant by a partially permeable membrane?

4 years ago

ยท

3 Replies

ยท

10757 views

J

Jagjot Gill



Get A Free Cheatsheet For Cells and Control ๐Ÿ”ฅ

Use our concise notes and diagrams to only revise what you need to know.

By submitting your email, you agree to join our mailing list. You can unsubscribe at any time.

3 Answers

Tara S Profile Picture
Tara S Verified Sherpa Tutor โœ“

An experienced and enthusiastic tutor with a PhD in Molecular Biology

1 reviews

A partially permeable membrane will allow water and small, lipid soluble molecules through, but not large molecules.

Found this useful? Give kudos!

I'm available for 1:1 private online tuition!

Click here to view my profile and arrange a free introduction.
Sara G Profile Picture
Sara G Verified Sherpa Tutor โœ“

Fully qualified, current teacher of KS3 and KS4 Science

1 reviews

A partially permeable membrane is a membrane which only allows particular substances cross it, and not others. Some substances like water are made of molecules which are small enough to cross the membrane easily. Some molecules are too large to cross the membrane, and other need specific channels to help them cross the membrane. This allows the cell membrane (a partially permeable membrane) to control what enters and leaves the cell.

Found this useful? Give kudos!

I'm available for 1:1 private online tuition!

Click here to view my profile and arrange a free introduction.
Stephen W Profile Picture
Stephen W Verified Sherpa Tutor โœ“

Enthusiastic Science & Geography Tutor with 5+ years experience

2 reviews

A membrane is said to be partially permeable because it only lets certain substances through. The membrane will not allow substances through unless it has a specific component to do so. For example, simple gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide can pass through unaided but larger molecules like glucose or charged molecules like ions need proteins to help them pass

Found this useful? Give kudos!

I'm available for 1:1 private online tuition!

Click here to view my profile and arrange a free introduction.

Think you can help?

More Biology GCSE Questions
Sherpa Badge

Need a GCSE Biology tutor?

Get started with a free online introductions with an experienced and qualified online tutor on Sherpa.

Find a GCSE Biology Tutor