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Isothermal Settling (aka sedimentation equilibrium)
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- Equilibrium Isothermal
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SUMMARY
Isothermal settling, also known as sedimentation equilibrium, refers to the process where heavy particles in a liquid settle under constant temperature conditions, typically at 37°C in biological contexts. The discussion highlights that while the overall cellular environment may be considered isothermal, local temperature variations arise due to endothermic and exothermic reactions. Paul Todd's paper suggests that isothermal settling can occur within cells, leading to a static state of equilibrium with particle concentration at the bottom. However, there is skepticism regarding the survival of cells under such conditions.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of isothermal processes in thermodynamics
- Familiarity with sedimentation principles in fluid dynamics
- Knowledge of cellular biology and temperature regulation
- Basic concepts of endothermic and exothermic reactions
- Research the principles of sedimentation equilibrium in biological systems
- Explore the implications of temperature variations within cellular environments
- Study Paul Todd's paper on isothermal settling for detailed insights
- Investigate the effects of particle concentration on cellular function and survival
Biologists, biochemists, and researchers interested in cellular processes, thermodynamics, and sedimentation phenomena.
- #2
.Scott
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"Isothermal" simply means that its one temperature from top to bottom.
Settling is what happens to heavy particles in the liquid. Not surprisingly, big heavy particles drop like a rock and end up at the bottom (H=0). Others take more time and fall onto the accumulation of bigger particles.
Settling is what happens to heavy particles in the liquid. Not surprisingly, big heavy particles drop like a rock and end up at the bottom (H=0). Others take more time and fall onto the accumulation of bigger particles.
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twall11347243
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Okay, so would you consider the cell to be 'isothermal'? I don't, but apparently it is according to this Paul Todd paper (See attached).
Overall the cell may be 'isothermal' to maintain a constant 37 oC... but within the molecular environment there endothermic/exothermic reactions where heat is being transferred and local temperature variations occur due to increases in kinetic energy.
He mentions this isothermal settling is a process to be considered inside cells. What do you think about that? Isothermal settling is a static state of equilibrium of no net mass movement, with more particles concentrating towards the bottom. I wouldn't think cells would be able to survive under these conditions.
Overall the cell may be 'isothermal' to maintain a constant 37 oC... but within the molecular environment there endothermic/exothermic reactions where heat is being transferred and local temperature variations occur due to increases in kinetic energy.
He mentions this isothermal settling is a process to be considered inside cells. What do you think about that? Isothermal settling is a static state of equilibrium of no net mass movement, with more particles concentrating towards the bottom. I wouldn't think cells would be able to survive under these conditions.
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