Morphine is a potent pain reliever that acts on cells in the brain and spinal co

Question

Morphine is a potent pain reliever that acts on cells in the brain and spinal cord. To get to those locations, morphine must cross many layers of cell membranes. Previous studies have shown the morphine does not dissolve well in water.

Recall that we discussed four ways materials move across membranes: 1) simple diffusion, 2) facilitated diffusion, 3) active transport, and 4) endo/exocytosis.

Based on the information above, which of those methods of membrane transport does morphine most likely use? Explain your reasoning for selecting that particular method for membrane transport.

Think especially about whether this chemical is hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic, how that relates to the properties of the cell membrane, and how that impacts transport.

Explanation / Answer

Since morphine is lipid soluble (hydrophobic) and the concentration is minimal inside the cells in the spinal cord and brain, there present a concentration gradient for morphine from blood (extracellular fluid/tissue fluid) towards the inside of the cells. The lipid-protein bi-layer of the cells provides excellent passage through and through for the passage of lipid soluble morphine to diffuse from outside to the inside of cells of spinal cord and brain.

The answer is 1) simple diffusion.

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