Factors affecting membrane structure

• If membranes lose their structure they lose their ability to control the passage of different substances.
• Temperature and solvents impact structure.
• Temperature


  As temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the phospholipids increase.

  This creates gaps in the bilayer.

  Molecules can pass through the gaps

  Molecules can pass through the gaps, increasing membrane permeability.

  At higher temperature, carrier and channel proteins can denature.
• Solvent


  Water is a polar molecule and is important in creating membrane stability with the phospholipids.

  Other solvents like alcohols are less polar or not polar at all (benzene).

  These can move into the bilayer and disrupt structure.
• This is why alcohols are used in antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizers because the alcohol dissolves membranes of bacteria.