THE ACCUMULATION OF ELECTROLYTES : III. BEHAVIOR OF SODIUM, POTASSIUM, AND AMMONIUM IN VALONIA.
When 0.001 M NH(4)Cl is added to sea water containing Valonia macrophysa there seems to be a rapid penetration of undissociated NH(3) (or NH(4)OH) which raises the pH value of the sap so that the thermodynamic potential of KOH becomes greater inside than outside and in consequence K leaves the cell: NaOH continues to go in because its thermodynamic potential is greater outside than inside. NH(4)Cl accumulates, reaching a much higher concentration inside than outside. This might be explained on the ground that NH(3), after entering, combines with a weak organic acid produced in the cell whose anion is exchanged for the Cl(-) of the sea water, or (more probably) the organic acid is exchanged for HCl.
Jacques
A G
AG
Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
Osterhout
W J
WJ