Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy

Intro to Metabolism

GOB Chemistry

21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy

Intro to Metabolism

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2:02 minutes

Problem 19

Textbook Question

Compare the structures of vitamin A and vitamin C. Which one is water-soluble and which is fat-soluble? What structural features does each have that make one water-soluble and the other fat-soluble?

Verified step by step guidance

Examine the structure of Vitamin A (Retinol). It contains a long hydrocarbon chain with multiple double bonds and a hydroxyl (-OH) group at one end. The hydrocarbon chain is nonpolar, making Vitamin A predominantly hydrophobic (fat-soluble).

Examine the structure of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid). It contains multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups and a lactone ring. These hydroxyl groups can form hydrogen bonds with water, making Vitamin C hydrophilic (water-soluble).

Identify the key structural feature that makes Vitamin A fat-soluble: the long nonpolar hydrocarbon chain dominates its solubility properties, allowing it to dissolve in fats and oils.

Identify the key structural feature that makes Vitamin C water-soluble: the presence of multiple polar hydroxyl (-OH) groups enables it to interact with water molecules through hydrogen bonding.

Conclude that Vitamin A is fat-soluble due to its hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain, while Vitamin C is water-soluble due to its hydrophilic hydroxyl groups and polar structure.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Water-Solubility vs. Fat-Solubility

Water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin C, dissolve in water and are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. They are typically excreted through urine, which means they need to be consumed regularly. In contrast, fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A, dissolve in fats and oils, allowing them to be stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver, making them less frequently required in the diet.

Chemical Structure of Vitamin A

Vitamin A (retinol) has a long hydrocarbon chain with a cyclic structure, which contributes to its fat-solubility. The presence of non-polar carbon chains allows it to dissolve in lipids, making it suitable for storage in fatty tissues. Its structure includes a hydroxyl group (-OH) that provides some polar characteristics, but overall, it remains predominantly hydrophobic.

Chemical Structure of Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) features multiple hydroxyl groups (-OH) and a lactone ring, which enhance its polarity and solubility in water. These polar functional groups allow vitamin C to interact favorably with water molecules, making it easily soluble and readily absorbed in the body. This structural characteristic is key to its classification as a water-soluble vitamin.

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