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Simple Diffusion in Cell Membranes

The document discusses the structure and function of the cell membrane, highlighting its phospholipid bilayer composition that allows selective permeability. It explains simple diffusion as the movement of molecules from high to low concentration without energy, applicable to small, non-polar molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide. Additionally, it outlines factors affecting diffusion rates, including concentration gradient, temperature, and particle size.

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Lance Wangdu
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6 views10 pages

Simple Diffusion in Cell Membranes

The document discusses the structure and function of the cell membrane, highlighting its phospholipid bilayer composition that allows selective permeability. It explains simple diffusion as the movement of molecules from high to low concentration without energy, applicable to small, non-polar molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide. Additionally, it outlines factors affecting diffusion rates, including concentration gradient, temperature, and particle size.

Uploaded by

Lance Wangdu
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

 Cell membrane structure

and permeability

 D e fi n i t i o n a n d p r o c e s s o f
s i m p l e d i ff u s i o n
Demonstration (Laboratory)

Place a drop of food coloring in a


beaker of water and observe how it
spreads. Students record their
observations.
1. Structure of the Cell Membrane

 It is also called the plasma membrane, and it plays a


key role in regulating what enters and leaves the cell. It
is made up of a phospholipid bilayer, with hydrophilic
(water-loving) heads facing outward and hydrophobic
(water-fearing) tails inward. This creates a semi-
permeable membrane, meaning only certain
substances can easily pass through.
2. Definition of Simple Diffusion

One of the ways substances move


across the membrane is through a
process called simple diffusion.
Simple diffusion is the movement of molecules

from an area of high concentration to a low

concentration, without the use of energy. This

process continues until equilibrium is reached,

when the concentration is equal on both sides.


3. Particles Involved in Simple Diffusion

 Not all substances can move through the membrane by simple


diffusion. Only small, non-polar, and uncharged molecules can.

Examples include:
 Oxygen (O₂) – diffuses into our cells so they can do cellular
respiration
 Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – diffuses out of cells as a waste product
 Small lipids or fat-soluble molecules
4. Factors Affecting the Rate of Diffusion

Several factors affect how quickly diffusion


happens.
1. Concentration Gradient
- The bigger the difference in concentration,
the faster the diffusion.
(Think of spraying perfume in a small room
vs. a big room, where does it spread faster?)
4. Factors Affecting the Rate of Diffusion

 Temperature

- Higher temperature means particles move faster,


increasing the diffusion rate.
(Why do smells spread faster in a hot room than in
a cold one?)
 Particle Size
- Which would diffuse faster—oxygen or a large
protein molecule?
(answer: oxygen)

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