Aspirin is an acid with a pKa of 3.5; its structureincludes a carboxyl group. To be absorbed into the bloodstream,it must pass through the membrane lining the stomach and thesmall intestine. Electrically neutral molecules can pass through amembrane more easily than can charged molecules. Would youexpect more aspirin to be absorbed in the stomach, where the pHof gastric juice is about 1, or in the small intestine, where the pH isabout 6? Explain your answer.

Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
4th Edition
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Chapter2: Life, Chemistry, And Water
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1ITD: The pH of human stomach acid ranges from 1.0 to 3.0, whereas a healthy esophagus has a pH of...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question

Aspirin is an acid with a pKa of 3.5; its structure
includes a carboxyl group. To be absorbed into the bloodstream,
it must pass through the membrane lining the stomach and the
small intestine. Electrically neutral molecules can pass through a
membrane more easily than can charged molecules. Would you
expect more aspirin to be absorbed in the stomach, where the pH
of gastric juice is about 1, or in the small intestine, where the pH is
about 6? Explain your answer.

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Macromolecules
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biochemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:
9781305389892
Author:
Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:
9781305112100
Author:
Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Ebk:Nutrition & Diet Therapy
Ebk:Nutrition & Diet Therapy
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:
9780357391747
Author:
DEBRUYNE
Publisher:
Cengage