Question:

According to pH-partition hypothesis, weak acids are best absorbed in

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The pH-partition hypothesis says that a drug is absorbed best across a membrane when it is in its unionised (uncharged) form, because only the uncharged form is lipid-soluble enough to cross cell membranes easily.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Intestine
  • Rectum
  • Stomach
  • Colon
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
The pH-partition hypothesis says that a drug is absorbed best across a membrane when it is in its unionised (uncharged) form, because only the uncharged form is lipid-soluble enough to cross cell membranes easily. Whether a drug stays unionised depends on the pH of the surrounding fluid and the drug's own nature (acidic or basic).

Step 1: A weak acid stays mostly unionised in an acidic environment. When the surrounding pH is low (acidic), the acid does not lose its proton and remains uncharged, so it can pass through the membrane.

Step 2: The stomach has a strongly acidic environment (low pH). Therefore weak acids remain largely unionised there and are absorbed well in the stomach.

Step 3: In contrast, weak bases stay unionised in the more alkaline intestine, so they are better absorbed in the intestine.

Answer: Option (3) — According to the pH-partition hypothesis, weak acids are best absorbed in the Stomach. (3)
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