On the osmotically unresponsive water compartment in cells.
Differences in colligative properties (freezing point, boiling point, vapor pressure and osmotic behavior) between water in living cells and pure bulk water were investigated by re-evaluating reports of the osmotic behavior of mammalian cells. In five different animal cells, osmotically unresponsive water (OUW) values ranged from 1.1 to 2.2 g per g dry mass. Detailed analysis of human red blood cell (RBC) data indicates a major role for hemoglobin OUW-values, aggregation and packing in cell volume regulation that can be explained for the first time in relevant molecular terms.
Fullerton
Gary D
GD
Department of Radiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, USA. fullerton@uthscsa.edu
Kanal
Kalpana M
KM
Cameron
Ivan L
IL
D000818:Animals; D004903:Erythrocyte Aggregation; D004912:Erythrocytes; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D009997:Osmotic Pressure; D044366:Transition Temperature; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
D006454:Hemoglobins; D014867:Water