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This question is on my homework and I have narrowed it down to 2 choice but I am not sure which one is right. Can someone help me please?!?!!?

One type of experimental contraceptive device is a skin patch that contains a chemical absorbed through the skin. Which of the following substances might be the type of chemical involved?

A. proteins

B. water-soluble substances

C. lipid-soluble substances

D carbohydrates

I have it narrowed down to B or C

:uhoh3::confused:

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Specializes in Aspiring for a CCRN.

The chemical in the patch should be a lipid-soluble substance. A two-prong purpose for this: 1) contracepetives usually are synthetic hormones, which are derived from cholesterol (lipid-soluble); and 2) for effective delivery of the drug into the cell membrane to effect hormone signal pathways.

The main reason for this is that for it get absorbed transdermally, it needs to penetrate the cell membrane, right?

Remember that the membrane structure is comprised of phospholipid bilayer (with polar/hydrophilic heads and nonpolar/hydrophobic tails). It also has cholesterol embedded within the bilayer to give further structural support and fluidity at the same time (a nice dual purpose).

Hope this helps.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9898/

www.wisc-online.com/Objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=AP1101

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

It's not B - Water-soluble compounds will not absorb through the lipid bilayer membranes of the skin cells.

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