A physicochemical cell model which simultaneously accumulates anions and cations against concentration gradients

Abstract

A mechanism is suggested which explains the accumulation of electrolyte, both cations and anions, against concentration gradients. It involves two Donnan membrane equilibria in a peculiar type of mosaic membrane system that arise independently across a cation-permeable, anion-impermeable membrane and an anion-permeable, cation-impermeable membrane which are in contact with the same “outside” solution. The solutions in the two “inside” compartments are electrically not in direct contact while they are continuously mixed mechanically, the system being electrically a three-compartment arrangement, with respect to concentration a two-compartment arrangement. Preliminary qualitative tests in model experiments showed about 20-fold electrolyte accumulation.