Structured Water and Complexed Na(+) and K(+) in Biological Systems.
Abstract
The living cell is conventionally pictured as a membranous bag containing liquid water with proteins and small cations in free solution. A minority view holds that the cell should instead be regarded as an organized, non-liquid phase, consisting of a matrix of structured water, in which are embedded macromolecules to which are complexed Na(+) and K(+). Solid state physical theory may therefore be applied to ion transport phenomena in the cell. Recent NMR analysis has shown definitely that cell water possesses more structure than liquid water. The structure of cell water is, however, certainly different from that of ice or of polywater. The minority view of the cell is further supported by strong NMR evidence for complexing of Na(+) and K(+) in muscle and other tissues. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 23, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0733398
Entities
People
- Freeman W. Cope
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster