In the example above Na^+ and K^+ are penetrating solutes, meaning they can free
ID: 99298 • Letter: I
Question
In the example above Na^+ and K^+ are penetrating solutes, meaning they can freely pass through the membrane. These are also termed crystalloids. Albumin in the example is a non-penetrating solute (cannot pass through the membrane). These non-penetrating solutes are also called colloids. Is the movement of water in the example above due to concentration differences in cystalloids or colloids? Osmotic force is the force (or pressure) that causes osmosis. In your own words, define osmotic force in terms of differences in solute concentration between two compartments (be specific per your answer to question 3). What would cause osmotic force to increase/decrease?Explanation / Answer
2. Both the crystalloids and colloids are decreasing the water concentration in compartment 1, but as the crystalloids' concentration is same on both sides so albumin acts as a deciding factor for high solute concentration (or low water concentration) in this compartment. So the water movement is this case is because of concentration difference of colloids.
3. Osmosis is the movement of water from a high water concentration (low solute concentration) to a low water concentration (high solute concentration) medium via a semi-permeable membrane. Both crystalloids and colloids can affect the water concentration.