AAMC test BS #21

[sanguinee]

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Could some explain how the structure of STN makes it hydrophobic and easy to pass through the membrane? I thought it would be hydrophilic due to the hydrogens/nitrogens/carbonyls.. Is it due to all of the electrons on nitrogens being apart of the aromaticity? If so, what about the nitrogens that aren't apart of the aromatic rings?

 

[theonlytycrane]

it's a larger molecule with benzene ring looking components and a lot of C-C and C-H bonds. The 2 carbonyl groups aren't enough to make it hydrophilic.

 

[sanguinee]

@theonlytycrane thanks -- does the size also have to do with it being hydrophobic though? i.e. a molecule can be large and still be hydrophilic, right?

 

[theonlytycrane]

@theonlytycrane thanks -- does the size also have to do with it being hydrophobic though? i.e. a molecule can be large and still be hydrophilic, right?

Yes depending on the molecule this is possible. I meant to say that a large part of the molecule is non-polar as it is composed of C-C and C-H bonds. Another example would be a long chain fatty acid. Most of the molecule is non-polar except for the carboxylic head group.