Ask a New Question
Menu

Use the figures to answer the following question.

Four structures of compounds. Compound A: C is single-bonded to H above, on the left, and below, and to a C on the right. The second C is double-bonded to O above and on the right and H below and on the right. Compound B: A chain of three carbons. The central C is double-bonded to O above. The outer two C atoms are single-bonded to H above, below, and on the left or right, respectively. Compound C: C is single-bonded to H above, on the left, and below, and to a C on the right. That second C is double-bonded to O above and on the right and O H below and on the right. Compound D: C is single-bonded to H above, on the left, and below, and to N on the right. That N is bonded to H above and on the right and H below and on the right.

Which molecule(s) shown is (are) ionized in a cell?

A
C and D
B and D
D

1 answer

To determine which molecule(s) are likely to be ionized in a cell, we need to consider the functional groups present in each compound and their potential to dissociate into ions (protons or negatively charged species) in biological systems.

  1. Compound A: C has a carbonyl group (C=O) that is part of a ketone. Ketones are generally neutral and do not ionize in a biological context.

  2. Compound B: This compound has a carbonyl (C=O) connected to a chain of carbons, much like an aldehyde or ketone. Again, ketones typically do not ionize in a biological context.

  3. Compound C: This structure contains a carbonyl (C=O) and a hydroxyl (–OH) group (the presence of –OH indicates an alcohol or possible carboxylic acid). The –OH group has the potential to ionize (lose a proton) under certain conditions (if it is part of a larger carboxylic acid or if there are other acidic characteristics in the molecule). This could allow it to become negatively charged.

  4. Compound D: This structure contains an amine (N) bonded to hydrogens (–NH2) and carbon (–C). Amines can accept protons under biological conditions, becoming positively charged (–NH3^+). Therefore, it is more likely to be ionized in a biological system.

Based on the structures you've described, Compound D is definitely ionized because it contains an amine, which can accept protons. Compound C may be ionized under certain conditions due to its hydroxyl group, but this is less definitive without knowing more about its full structure or context.

Thus, the answer would be D, or potentially C and D if considering the possible ionization of C. However, since D is the most certainly ionized without additional conditions, the most accurate conclusion is that:

D is ionized.