Isothermal Settling (aka sedimentation equilibrium)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the concept of isothermal conditions and settling within cellular environments. "Isothermal" refers to a uniform temperature throughout a system, which in this context is suggested to be maintained at 37°C in cells. However, the presence of endothermic and exothermic reactions within cells leads to local temperature variations and kinetic energy changes. Settling describes the behavior of heavy particles in a liquid, where larger particles descend rapidly to the bottom, creating a concentration gradient. The idea of isothermal settling is debated, with concerns raised about its implications for cellular survival, as it suggests a static equilibrium that may not be conducive to the dynamic processes necessary for life.
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Is anyone familiar with these terms or the experiments involved? I have a lot of questions regarding them. Thank you guys.
 

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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.
 
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.
 

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