Question

How do aquaporins allow the passage of H₂O but not H₃O⁺?

Short answer

Aquaporins mediate the transmembrane movement of water (H₂O) because they are uncharged molecules so they travel freely rather than the charged molecule such as H₃O⁺.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction.

Aquaporins are membrane channelsthat allow water and tiny neutral substances to pass through biological membranes.

Aquaporins allow the passage of water but not H3O+.

Aquaporins are also known as water channels. These preferentially channel water moleculesin and out of the cell while blocking ions and other solutes from passing through it.

This is due to the fact that they enable tiny uncharged molecules to travel freely rather than charged particles. Thus, the mobility of H₃O⁺ is inhibited because it is a positively charged molecule.