How Does Molecular Diffusion Influence Toxicant Metabolism?
Molecular diffusion is also involved in the metabolism of toxicants. Once distributed to the liver or other metabolizing tissues, toxicants undergo biotransformation. The efficiency of metabolism is affected by the rate at which substances diffuse into the cells where metabolic enzymes are located. This process is crucial in detoxifying harmful compounds and converting them into more water-soluble metabolites for excretion. However, some metabolites may be more toxic than the parent compound, highlighting the importance of understanding diffusion in predicting metabolic outcomes.
