Based on your knowledge of the chemistry of the cell membrane,which of the following compounds would you couple with a new drug in order to achieve better uptake by cells?
A)carbohydrates
B)polar amino acids
C)lipids
D)several mannose-6-phosphate monomers
E)any hydrophilic substance

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cell membrane is primarily composed of lipids, specifically phospholipids, which have both hydrophobic (nonpolar) and hydrophilic (polar) regions. Therefore, coupling a new drug with lipids will increase its affinity for the cell membrane and likely improve its uptake by cells. Carbohydrates and polar amino acids are hydrophilic substances that may not be as effective in crossing the cell membrane, and several mannose-6-phosphate monomers would be specific for targeting lysosomes, not for general uptake by cells. Any hydrophilic substance would be less effective than lipids for enhancing drug uptake by cells.

Based on Your Knowledge of the Chemistry of the Cell