How do you explain the change in membrane permeability as temperature increases?

Generally, increasing the temperature increases membrane permeability. At temperatures below 0 oC the phospholipids in the membrane don't have much energy and so they can't move much, which means that they're closely packed together and the membrane is rigid. Between 0 oC and 45 oC the permeability increases as phospholipids start to move around more, as they have more energy, and therefore they're no longer as tightly packed, meaning that the membrane is partially permeable. At temperatures about 45 oC the phospholipid bilayer starts to melt and the membrane becomes more permaeable. Water inside the cell expands, putting pressure on the membrane, and transport proteins deform (due to denaturing of proteins) so they can't control what enters or leaves the cell. 

Answered by Ella F. Biology tutor

56325 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What does an oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve show?


Outline the action of B lymphocytes following initial contact with an antigen or antigen presenting cell. (6 marks)


Please could you explain Oxidative Phosphorylation?


What might happen to the rate of glucose production as the temperature of a solution of sucrose and (human) sucrase was raised from 33°C to 43°C and why?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy