Starting with dry forms of the glycans( repeating units, you attempt to prepare

Question

Starting with dry forms of the glycans( repeating units, you attempt to prepare aqueous solutions of (A) and (B) for analysis. At pH 7.4 and room temperature, (A) dissolves, yielding a viscous solution; (B) remains suspended and dissolution proceeds with beating in a water bath. 4) A) and (B). both with molecular sizes of 2 100 OH OH HO OH HO oH NH By reference to the structures shown, what forces or interactions account for the difference in solubilities between (A) and (B)? (6%) a) b) If both (A) and (B) are biological products, suggest (i) where these products are localized in cellstissues, and (2%) (ii) the biological function served by each of these products. (2%) Page 3 of 7

Explanation / Answer

A) The structure shown at panel A is polar and has –OH groups exposed to the surroundings this allows to form hydrogen bonds between water molecules and the compound. Water molecules are also polar and mix readily because both types of molecules engage in hydrogen bonding. Since the intermolecular attractions between the solvent and dissolvent are strong the compound dissolves easily. In the other hand, structure B does not have free –OH groups in the exposed part to water. There are –OH groups but in the inside part of the structure, therefore water molecules don´t interact that much.

B) Product A should be at the cytoplasm of the cell because its dissolution in water is easy and gives a viscous solution like the cytosol. Its function could be being part of the metabolic pathways or giving viscosity to the cytoplasm. Product B is not soluble in water and its structure is possibly the one of a pore or canal that is in the membrane of the cell. Also is possible that it is attached to a protein in the exterior part of the cell membrane.

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