What is Donnan's equilibrium theory and how does it explain the accumulation of ions inside cells?
Understand the Problem
The question is about Donnan's equilibrium theory, which explains how ions accumulate inside cells without metabolic energy expenditure, focusing on fixed ions and their diffusion across a membrane.
Answer
Donnan's equilibrium describes ion accumulation in cells due to fixed anions and permeable membranes.
Donnan's equilibrium theory explains the accumulation of ions in cells without energy use, due to fixed anions inside the cell. The membrane is permeable to external ions, causing cations to accumulate inside to balance charge, leading to an osmotic influx of water.
Answer for screen readers
Donnan's equilibrium theory explains the accumulation of ions in cells without energy use, due to fixed anions inside the cell. The membrane is permeable to external ions, causing cations to accumulate inside to balance charge, leading to an osmotic influx of water.
More Information
Donnan's equilibrium helps explain how cells regulate ion concentrations and osmotic pressure, a vital aspect of cellular homeostasis.
Tips
Common mistakes include not considering the role of fixed anions and misunderstanding the concept of equilibrium across semipermeable membranes.
Sources
- Gibbs–Donnan effect - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Donnan equilibrium explained - Deranged Physiology - derangedphysiology.com
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