Getting through membranes
In the Osmosis module, we acted as if water was the only thing that could get through the cell membrane. But that's not actually true -- if it was, our cells would be in big trouble!
It would be closer to the truth to say that water is a small, uncharged molecule, and so it can get through the cell membrane pretty easily. Other larger or more charged molecules have a harder time. But they are not completely blocked.
In fact, there are 2 major ways that an ion like Na+ can make it through the membrane:
Through a channel: Membrane channels can open and close like gates. Once a channel is open, ions are free to move in both directions -- but the NET movement of ions will be down a gradient. (More on that later.) So, openning a channel allows ions to move to where they "want" to go.
By a pump: Membranes also contain tiny protein-driven pumps. When these pumps operate, ions move in ONE direction -- whichever direction the pump wants them to go. This allows ions to be pushed around AGAINST a gradient.
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