5 1 point oxygen, carbon dioxide are other small nonpolar molecules cross the plasma membrane through the process(es) of active transport simple diffusion endocytosis and exocytosis facilitated diffusion osmosis

5 1 point oxygen, carbon dioxide are other small nonpolar molecules cross the plasma membrane through the process(es) of active transport simple diffusion endocytosis and exocytosis facilitated diffusion osmosis

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

Oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are small nonpolar molecules that cross the plasma membrane primarily through the process of simple diffusion.

Explanation:

1. Simple Diffusion:
   Simple diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration without the need for energy input. Since both oxygen and carbon dioxide are small, nonpolar molecules, they can easily pass through the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane. The nonpolar nature of these molecules allows them to dissolve in the hydrophobic (nonpolar) region of the membrane and diffuse directly through it. This process does not require any proteins or energy and relies solely on the concentration gradient, making it a passive process.
2. Active Transport:
   Active transport requires energy (usually in the form of ATP) and transport proteins to move molecules against their concentration gradient (from low to high concentration). Oxygen and carbon dioxide do not typically require active transport because they move down their concentration gradient through diffusion. Therefore, this process is not relevant for the movement of O2 and CO2.
3. Endocytosis and Exocytosis:
   These are processes used for the bulk transport of larger molecules or particles into (endocytosis) or out of (exocytosis) the cell. They involve the formation of vesicles that engulf and transport substances. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are too small to require these processes.
4. Facilitated Diffusion:
   Facilitated diffusion involves the use of membrane proteins to help molecules that are not able to directly diffuse through the lipid bilayer. These molecules usually have a charge or are large. Since oxygen and carbon dioxide are small and nonpolar, they do not require facilitated diffusion.
5. Osmosis:
   Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules through a semipermeable membrane. It specifically applies to water and not to gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide.

In conclusion, simple diffusion is the primary process by which small nonpolar molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide cross the plasma membrane.