Abstract
A model is presented suggesting the interaction of CO2 and bicarbonate on lipids of the cell membrane. The interfacial tensions between water and oil (benzene) phases were measured using the stalagmometer and the sessile drop methods. Effects of electrolyte solutions and of CO2 on molecular arrangement at the interface were calculated. Chloride solutions against oleic acid in benzene produced little decrease in interfacial tension from that measured for pure water against the oil phase. Presence or absence of CO2 caused no change in interfacial tension of water or chloride solutions against the oil phase. Bicarbonate salts in the absence of CO2 caused marked decreases in interfacial tension from that measured for water or chloride solutions. Concomitant with this decrease in interfacial tension were an increase in hydration of the interface and changes in molecular spacings of the lipid. This hydration may be considered as reflecting a more ionic-permeable cell membrane. The addition of CO2 to the bicarbonates caused an increase in interfacial tension of the model, approaching that of the chlorides, with decreased hydration of the interface. Viewed as occurring at the cell membrane this would make the lipid more continuous and decrease the ease of ionic penetration. In this way the action of bicarbonates and CO2 at the interface suggests an explanation of the action of CO2 on the cell.
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Selected References
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