Semi-permeable membrane
Semi-permeable Membrane
Semi-permeable membrane (pronunciation: /ˈsɛmi pɜːrˈmiːəbəl ˈmɛmbreɪn/) is a type of biological membrane that will allow certain molecules or ions to pass through it by diffusion and occasionally specialized "facilitated" processes.
Etymology
The term "semi-permeable membrane" originates from the Latin words "semi" meaning half, "permeare" meaning to pass through, and "membrana" meaning skin or parchment.
Definition
A semi-permeable membrane, also known as a selectively permeable membrane or a differentially permeable membrane, is a type of membrane that will allow certain molecules or ions to pass through it by diffusion. The rate of passage depends on the charge, size, or chemical nature of the molecule or ion. This type of membrane is critical in biological systems and technology, particularly in the field of dialysis and osmosis.
Related Terms
- Diffusion: The process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration, to areas of low concentration.
- Osmosis: The diffusion of fluid through a semi-permeable membrane from a solution with a low solute concentration to a solution with a higher solute concentration until there is an equal concentration of fluid on both sides.
- Dialysis: A process for removing waste and excess water from the blood and is used primarily as an artificial replacement for lost kidney function in people with kidney failure.
- Biological Membrane: A membrane that acts as a barrier within or around a cell, regulating the transport of substances across the membrane.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Semi-permeable membrane
- Wikipedia's article - Semi-permeable membrane
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