THE ACCUMULATION OF ELECTROLYTES : III. BEHAVIOR OF SODIUM, POTASSIUM, AND AMMONIUM IN VALONIA

摘要

When 0.001 M NH4Cl is added to sea water containing Valonia macrophysa there seems to be a rapid penetration of undissociated NH3 (or NH4OH) which raises the pH value of the sap so that the thermodynamic potential of KOH becomes greater inside than outside and in consequence K leaves the cell: NaOH continues to go in because its thermodynamic potential is greater outside than inside. NH4Cl accumulates, reaching a much higher concentration inside than outside. This might be explained on the ground that NH3, after entering, combines with a weak organic acid produced in the cell whose anion is exchanged for the Cl- of the sea water, or (more probably) the organic acid is exchanged for HCl.