Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

Which statement about charged compounds is correct?

1. They do not interact with proteins.

2. They tend to interact with proteins in the skin.

3. They repel oil molecules.

4. They are primarily neutral in function.

The correct answer is: They tend to interact with proteins in the skin.

Charged compounds are classified based on their electric charge, which can significantly influence their behavior in biological systems, including interactions with proteins. When considering skin care and esthetics, charged compounds often exhibit a tendency to interact with proteins found in the skin. The unique properties of charged compounds allow them to engage with protein structures due to ionic interactions. These interactions can affect the stability, activity, and overall function of proteins, particularly in a complex environment like the skin where proteins play critical roles in maintaining barrier function and participating in various biochemical processes. Thus, the interaction of charged compounds with skin proteins is essential for understanding how certain ingredients in skin care products function, leading to the desired effects on skin health and appearance. The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of charged compounds in relation to proteins or their interaction with other molecules in the skin. For instance, the notion that charged compounds do not interact with proteins overlooks fundamental biochemical principles regarding ionic interactions. Additionally, although charged compounds can repel oil molecules, this interaction is dependent on the overall formulation and context, making it an overly simplistic view. Lastly, describing them as primarily neutral in function disregards the significant role that their charge plays in influencing biological interactions and activity.