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Chapter 6: Problem 2

Explain how and why the absorption of hydrophobic and hydrophilic organic molecules differs.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Hydrophilic organic molecules, being soluble in water, are absorbed more easily and quicker as they can pass directly through water-constituted cell membranes. Hydrophobic molecules, insoluble in water, are absorbed less and may require a transporter protein or non-aqueous passage ways to help them get through cell membranes.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic

Hydrophilic substances are characterized by their ability to mix with or dissolve in water. This is due to the polarity of these organic molecules which allows them to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. On the other hand, hydrophobic organic molecules are non-polar, and therefore, do not mix with water because they lack the ability to form hydrogen bonds with water.
02

Absorption of Hydrophilic Molecules

Hydrophilic organic molecules are absorbed easily because they are soluble in water. They can readily mix or dissolve in the water which enables them to interact more with the molecules of the solvent or water. This implies that they can easily pass through cell membranes that are largely composed of water.
03

Absorption of Hydrophobic Molecules

Hydrophobic organic molecules, on the other hand, do not readily dissolve in water due to their non-polarity. They have more limited interactions with water molecules, thus, their absorption is less when compared to hydrophilic molecules. These types of molecules may require some form of transport system, like a transporter protein, to help them pass through cell membranes or they may pass through areas of the membrane where there isn't much water.
04

Influence of Solubility on Absorption

The absorption of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules is influenced by their solubility in water. Being soluble in water, hydrophilic molecules are quickly and easily absorbed. However, hydrophobic molecules are insoluble in water, hence their absorption is less and more difficult unless aided by a transport system.

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