Question

Why does DNA being hydrophilic restrict it from passing through host cell membrane?

Answer 1

First, DNA is located within the nucleus and they are not located in the cytoplasm due to the myriad enzymes which may damage the DNA (that's why DNA is translated into mRNA to protect the genetic information it contains).

Second, hydrophylic molecules cannot easily pass through the cell membranes, unlike hydrophobic molecules, is by virtue of the fact that the cell membrane is made of phospholipids and cholesterols which makes the abovementioned molecule impermeable. Large molecular weight and hydrophilic substances usually pass in channels, etc