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The Donnan equilibrium effect can be correlated to living cells. Cell membranes are selectively permeable, which means that they allow some molecules to pass through while keeping others out.
The flow of molecules and ions between a cell and its environment is regulated by the Donnan effect. Living cells contain impermeable anionic colloids, which are mostly made up of proteins and organic phosphates; and these colloidal anions cannot cross the cell membrane.
As a result of this, there is a high concentration of non-diffusible anions across the cell membrane, thus creating the Donnan Equilibrium. This means that there are more ions inside the cell than outside. For ease of explanation let's call this Donnan Equilibrium 1.
What does this do to cells? Water will continuously move into the cell by the process of osmosis. If this process continues, the cells will inevitably rupture.
What is the mechanism that prevents cells from swelling and rupturing?The answer is the sodium pump (Na⁺- K⁺ ATPase) in the cell membrane. It is the most ubiquitous system in animal cells. The presence of the ATP-driven Na⁺ and K⁺ pump is nature's way of preventing cells from rupturing by continuously pushing out excess ions.The pump together with the membrane's low permeability to sodium effectively prevents sodium from entering the cell. The sodium pump renders the membrane impermeable to sodium, setting up a second Donnan Equilibrium (let's call this Donnan Equilibrium 2).
The earlier Donnan effect (Donnan Equilibrium 1) with respect to impermeable anionic colloids balances the latter Donnan effect (Donnan Equilibrium 2) of impermeable extracellular sodium. The balancing act between these two effects is by way of allowing cells to maintain and regulate normal cell volume in living functions.
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What is the types of equilibrium?
There are three types of equilibrium: stable equilibrium, where a system returns to its original state after a disturbance; unstable equilibrium, where a system moves further away from its original state after a disturbance; and neutral equilibrium, where a system remains in its new state after a disturbance.
What happens when a system in equilibrium is subjected to change?
equilibrium readjusts itself and a new equilibrium is established
Hat will happen when a reactant is added to a system at equilibrium?
The concentrations of reactants and products are modified.
What requirements should a system need in order to be in thermodynamic equilibrium?
A system should be in thermal equilibrium when it has a homogeneous temperature throughout, mechanical equilibrium when there is no net force acting on it, and chemical equilibrium when there are no gradients in chemical potential.
What is special about the entropy in thermodynamic equilibrium compared to all statesof a system?
In thermodynamic equilibrium, the system's entropy is maximized, reaching a state of maximum disorder or randomness. This is unique compared to other states of the system where entropy may be increasing or decreasing as the system approaches equilibrium. At equilibrium, the system has reached a stable condition where the distribution of energy and molecules is uniform, making it a distinct state in terms of entropy.
What is the significance of the equilibrium potential of chloride in maintaining the balance of ions within a biological system?
The equilibrium potential of chloride helps maintain the balance of ions in a biological system by regulating the movement of chloride ions across cell membranes. This is important for maintaining proper cell function and overall health.
What is the significance of entropy at equilibrium in a thermodynamic system?
At equilibrium in a thermodynamic system, entropy represents the measure of disorder or randomness. It indicates the system's tendency to reach a state of maximum disorder and minimum energy. This is significant because it helps determine the direction in which processes occur and the overall stability of the system.
What is the significance of thermodynamics state functions in determining the equilibrium and stability of a system?
Thermodynamic state functions are important in determining the equilibrium and stability of a system because they provide information about the system's energy and properties at a specific state. These functions, such as internal energy and entropy, help in understanding how a system will behave and whether it is in a stable state. By analyzing these state functions, scientists can predict how a system will respond to changes in its surroundings and whether it will reach equilibrium.
What is the Medical term meaning equilibrium of a system?
Homeostasis means equilibrium of a system.
What is the significance of equilibrium units in understanding the balance of forces in a system?
Equilibrium units are important in understanding the balance of forces in a system because they help determine when the forces acting on an object are equal and opposite, resulting in a state of equilibrium where there is no net force causing motion. This concept is crucial in physics and engineering to analyze and predict the behavior of objects and systems under different conditions.
What is the types of equilibrium?
There are three types of equilibrium: stable equilibrium, where a system returns to its original state after a disturbance; unstable equilibrium, where a system moves further away from its original state after a disturbance; and neutral equilibrium, where a system remains in its new state after a disturbance.
What does Le chateliers principles say about upsetting a system at equilibrium?
Le Chatelier's principle says that if a system in chemical equilibrium is disturbed, the system will move in such a way as to nullify that change.
What are the key differences between unstable and stable equilibrium in a system?
In a system, unstable equilibrium occurs when a small disturbance causes the system to move further away from its original position, while stable equilibrium occurs when a small disturbance causes the system to return to its original position. The key difference lies in how the system responds to disturbances, with unstable equilibrium leading to further movement away from equilibrium and stable equilibrium leading to a return to equilibrium.
What happens when reactant is added to a system at equilibrium?
The equilibrium of the system will be upset.
What does Le Chtelier's principle say about upsetting a system at equilibrium?
Le Chatelier principle says, if a restriction is applied to a system in equilibrium, the system adjusts to a new equilibrium that tends to counteract the restriction. When equilibrium is under stress it will shift to relieve that stress. or all concentrations would change.
What is the significance of equilibrium in chemistry and how does it impact chemical reactions"?
Equilibrium in chemistry is a state where the rates of forward and reverse reactions are equal, leading to a stable system. It is significant because it determines the concentrations of reactants and products in a reaction. Equilibrium impacts chemical reactions by influencing the direction in which a reaction proceeds and the amount of products formed.
What are the conditions that determine whether a system is in stable, unstable, or neutral equilibrium?
The conditions that determine whether a system is in stable, unstable, or neutral equilibrium depend on how the system responds to disturbances. In stable equilibrium, the system returns to its original state after a disturbance. In unstable equilibrium, the system moves further away from its original state after a disturbance. In neutral equilibrium, the system remains in its new state after a disturbance.
