Summary
The permeability of cells to dissolved molecules is given by the permeation constant ofCollander (cm·h−1), whilst the permeability to water is measured by a filter constant (cm·Atm.−1·h−1). Therefore these constants are not comparable, and it is impossible to calculate quantitative data on the semipermeability of a cell.
In this paper the permeation process is considered as a counterdiffusion of dissolved molecules into the cell and water out of the cell. From the two resulting diffusion equations formulae and a graphic method are derived, which permit to calculate the permeation constant of water, when the permeation constant of a given substance entering the cell is known. These constants are comparable and their ratio is a conclusive measure of the semipermeability.
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References
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Für mathematische Beratung bin ich Herrn Kollege Prof.Kollros, ETH. Zürich, zu Dank verpflichtet.
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Frey-Wyssling, A. Zur Wasserpermeabilität des Protoplasmas. Experientia 2, 132–137 (1946). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02163917
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02163917