Aspirin is a weak acid with a pKA of 3.5. When aspirin donates its proton it becomes negatively charged. It is absorbed into the blood through the cells lining the stomach and the small intestine. Absorption of aspirin requires passage through the plasma membrane, the rate of which is determined by the polarity of the molecule: charged and highly polar molecules pass slowly, whereas neutral hydrophobic ones pass rapidly. The pH of the stomach contents is about 1.5, and the pH of the contents of the small intestine is about 6. Is more aspirin absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach or from the small intestine? Explain your answer.

Biochemistry
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ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
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Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
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Aspirin is a weak acid with a pKA of 3.5. When aspirin donates its proton it becomes negatively charged. It is absorbed into the blood through the cells lining the stomach and the small intestine. Absorption of aspirin requires passage through the plasma membrane, the rate of which is determined by the polarity of the molecule: charged and highly polar molecules pass slowly, whereas neutral hydrophobic ones pass rapidly. The pH of the stomach contents is about 1.5, and the pH of the contents of the small intestine is about 6. Is more aspirin absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach or from the small intestine? Explain your answer.

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