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A-Level Biology OCR A

Permeability Increases Phospholipid Bilayer Gaps Membrane Explain Effect

Higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of phospholipids, leading to greater separation and increased membrane permeability; at extreme temperatures, the bilayer may melt and proteins denature.

Increased temperature boosts the kinetic energy of phospholipids, causing them to vibrate more and separate, thus increasing permeability. At very high temperatures, the bilayer can melt and proteins can denature.

Front Explain the effect of changing temperature on the permeability of cell membranes.
Back Increased temperature:
  • Kinetic energy of phospholipids increases - they vibrate more
  • This increases average phospholipid separation
  • This increases permeability of bilayer as there are more gaps
  • Phospholipid bilayer may melt completely
  • Proteins may also denature leaving gaps in membrane
  • Therefore membrane permeability will increase

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