Case: Medicinal chemistry plays a significant role in improving human health by providing various drugs. Drugs can be classified based on their pharmacological effect, chemical structure, or mechanism of action. The two main types of drugs are medicinal drugs and prophylactic drugs. Medicinal drugs are used to treat specific diseases, while prophylactic drugs are used to prevent diseases. Drugs like analgesics (e.g., aspirin) help to alleviate pain, while antibiotics (e.g., penicillin) are used to fight bacterial infections. Understanding the mechanism of action of these drugs helps in their effective use and reduces side effects.
Questions:
Which of the following is an example of an analgesic?
Which type of drug is used to prevent the onset of diseases?
Penicillin is an example of which type of drug?
Which of the following is a characteristic of an ideal drug?
Case: Soaps and detergents are substances that are used for cleaning and washing. Soaps are salts of fatty acids and are formed by the reaction of fatty acids with sodium or potassium hydroxide. Soaps work by forming micelles, which trap dirt and oil. Detergents, unlike soaps, contain synthetic surfactants that are more effective in hard water and are less likely to form scum. While soaps are biodegradable, many detergents are not and can lead to environmental pollution. The cleaning ability of soaps is due to their amphiphilic nature, where one part of the molecule is hydrophobic (repels water) and the other is hydrophilic (attracts water).
Questions:
What is the main component of soaps?
Why are detergents more effective than soaps in hard water?
Which of the following is true about soaps?
The cleaning action of soaps is due to:
Case: Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavor, enhance taste, or improve appearance. They include preservatives, colorants, sweeteners, and flavor enhancers. For instance, sodium benzoate is commonly used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener in place of sugar, especially in diet sodas. Though these additives are approved for safe use by regulatory authorities, some individuals may have allergic reactions to certain additives. The safety and regulation of food additives are of prime concern to ensure that they do not cause any harm to consumers.
Questions:
Which of the following is used as a preservative in food?
Aspartame is used as a:
Which of the following is a concern with food additives?
The use of food colorants is primarily for:
Case: Cosmetics and personal care products are chemical mixtures used to improve or alter the appearance of the skin, hair, and nails. These include products like shampoos, deodorants, soaps, and face creams. For example, titanium dioxide is used in sunscreens to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation, while glycerin is a common ingredient in moisturizers because of its ability to attract water to the skin. However, certain ingredients in cosmetics, such as parabens and phthalates, have raised concerns due to their potential health risks. Regulatory authorities ensure that cosmetic products are safe for use, but it's essential to be aware of the ingredients used.
Questions:
Which of the following ingredients is commonly used in sunscreens to block ultraviolet radiation?
Glycerin is commonly used in cosmetics because it:
Parabens and phthalates in cosmetics are primarily a concern because they:
Which of the following is a concern when using personal care products containing synthetic chemicals?
Case: Antacids are substances used to neutralize excess stomach acid and provide relief from heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. These drugs typically contain compounds like magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, or calcium carbonate, which react with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form water and salts, thereby reducing the acidity. For example, Maalox and Tums are over-the-counter antacids used to treat symptoms of acid indigestion. Though effective, excessive use of antacids can lead to side effects like constipation or kidney stones, especially if they contain calcium or aluminum.
Questions:
Which of the following is commonly used as an active ingredient in antacids?
The action of antacids in the stomach is to:
Excessive use of antacids containing calcium can lead to:
Which of the following is a potential side effect of using antacids over a long period?