Draw a simple organic molecule that has two carbons and has a hydroxyl and carboxyl functional group in trans position across a double bond. Will this molecule dissolve in water? Will this molecule pass through a cell membrane? Explain
The molecule:
Yes. The molecule will be soluble in water. This is because the molecule consists of polar groups like the hydroxyl group and the carboxyl group. The oxygen in their groups make them polar, as a result of which the molecule can form hydrogen bonding with water molecules and thus dissolve in them.
No, this molecule cannot pass through a cell membrane. The molecule is predominantly hydrophilic, owing to the presence of polar groups (hydroxyl and carboxyl group) in the molecule. But the interior of the bilayer that forms the cell membrane is hydrophobic in nature. Hence, the hydrophobicity of the membrane interior will repel the hydrophilicity of the molecule. Hence, it will not be able to pass through the cell membrane.
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