How Do Molecular Structures Affect Metabolism and Excretion?
The molecular structure of a toxin influences how it is metabolized and excreted by the body. Lipophilic (fat-loving) compounds often accumulate in fatty tissues, whereas hydrophilic (water-loving) compounds are more readily excreted. The presence of certain functional groups can make a compound more susceptible to enzymatic transformation, leading to detoxification or, paradoxically, activation into a more toxic form.
