Factors affecting cellular transport

Surface area to volume ratio and importance

Increasing the surface area to volume ratio allows more surface molecules to diffuse

Cells can achieve a higher Surface area: Volume ratio by folding the membrane or reducing size of cells

total surface area/ volume = Ratio

Total volume

Sa:Vol ratio (

Concentration gradients

Increase concentration gradient increase opportunity for substances to diffuse in/out cell → faster/higher rate of movement into/out cell

Physical and chemical behaviour

Larger molecules aren’t able to diffuse through phospholipid bilayer rely on facilitated diffusion (slower rate)

Polarity/change not able to use simple diffusion through phospholipid bilayer rely on facilitated (slower

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