Problem:
Question 1: Describe a metabolic process demonstrated using the Enterotube or IMViC tests.
Question 2: In order to be absorbed by the body, many pharmaceutical agents like acetylsalicylic acid must be able to diffuse across cell membranes in the digestive tract. Acetylsalicylic acid has a pK of 3.5. The pH of secretions in the stomach lumen is ~2, whereas the pH of secretions in the duodenum lumen is ~8. If acetylsalicylic acid was equally soluble in the secretions of these two regions of the digestive tract, would you expect acetylsalicylic acid to be passively absorbed more readily by individual stomach cells or by individual duodenal cells? Explain your choice.
Explain thoroughly.