Organic solvents less polar than water will dissolve membranes, disrupt cells. Pure or very strong alcohol solutions are toxic as they destroy cells in the body. Less concentrated alcohols won't dissolve the membranes but can still do damage.Non-polar alcohol molecules can go between the phospholipids and disrupt the membranes.

When the membrane is disrupted it becomes more fluid and more permeable. some cells need complete membranes in order to function eg. the transmission of impulses in nerve cells. when the neural membranes are disrupted nerve impulses aren't transmitted normal.

	Created by Lucy Noyes over 8 years ago

temperature and solvents