Question

What are the factors responsible for the difference in concentration of substances used in the experiment (Plasma Membrane) required to produce hemolysis?

Concentrations:
0.2% NaCl, 0.1 % NaCl, 0.02 % NaCl,
0.3% glucose, 0.2 % glucose, 0.1 % glucose
0.2 % KCl, 0.1 % KCl, 0.05 % KCl

Answer 1

When a cell faces an environment of a different solvent concentration the solvent molecules tend to diffuse across the membrane from its(solvent's) higher to its lower concentration. Ionic solutes increase the tonicity, and thereby the flux of this. Thus glucose solutions will have minimum effect whereas Sodium and Potassium gradients will cause an influx of water AS 0.9 percent sodium is isotonic to cells. Eventually, this will cause bursting of cells. The cellular concentration of potassium is more hence the gradient difference will be larger for Potassium causing hemolysis more rapidly compared to sodium.