Question

A semipermeable sac containing 4% NaCl, 9% glucose, and 10% albumin is suspended in a solution with the following composition: 10% NaCl, 10% glucose, and 40% albumin. Assume that the sac is permeable to all substances except albumin. State whether each of the following will (a) move into the sac, (b) move out of the sac, or (c) not move.
glucose: a. moves into sac
water: b. moves out of sac
albumin: c; does not move
NaCl: a; moves into sac

Answer 1

Answer:

Glucose: (a) moves into sac

Water: (b) moves out of sac

Albumin: (c) does not move

NaCl: (a) moves into sac

Explanation:

A semi-permeable membrane is a membrane that allow certain molecules or ions to pass through by diffusion.

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration until equilibrium is attained. A special form of diffusion known as osmosis transports water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane.

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a region lower solute concentration (high water molecules concentration) to a region of higher solute concentration (low water molecules concentration) until equilibrium is attained.

From the above definitions and the given data;

Glucose concentration is higher in solution outside the sac, thus, glucose molecules will move into the sac.

Water molecules are higher in the sac as a result of the lower concentration of solutes, therefore, water molecules will move out of the sac into the solution outside.

Since the sac is impermeable to albumin, it does not move.

NaCl concentration is lower in the sac, therefore, it will move ro  the solution outside into the sac.