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A theory of cell swelling in high concentrations of KCl and other chloride salts

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Abstract

A theory of the cell volume is presented with emphasis on the swelling effect of high concentrations of KCl and other chloride salts. In this theory a particular cell volume represents a state of balance between the tendency of the cell water to build deeper layers of polarized water and the restraining forces exerted by the salt linkages and H-bonds. Taking into account also the different structure-breaking effects of different salts, theoretical curves can be constructed which describe the complex multiple peak-plateau of swelling curve observed in frog muscle in response to increasing concentrations of different chloride salts.

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Ling, G.N., Peterson, K. A theory of cell swelling in high concentrations of KCl and other chloride salts. Bltn Mathcal Biology 39, 721–741 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02461780

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