Problem 54 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

When a few typical solutes are separated by a particular selective membrane, such as protein particles from blood corpuscles, the process is called (a) exosmosis (b) dialysis (c) transpiration (d) endosmosis

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct process is dialysis (option b).

Step 1: Understanding the Given Terms

First, let's understand the given options. Exosmosis and endosmosis refer to the movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from areas of low solute concentration to high solute concentration (endosmosis) and vice versa (exosmosis). Transpiration is the evaporation of water from plant parts. Dialysis is a process where solutes are separated based on their ability to pass through a membrane.

Step 2: Analyzing the Context of the Question

The question refers to a process involving a selective membrane that separates solutes. The example given is the separation of proteins from blood corpuscles. This is an indication of a process where the membrane allows certain solutes to pass while others are retained.

Step 3: Matching the Correct Process with the Definition

Dialysis, by definition, is the process where certain solutes are separated by a selective membrane. This aligns with the process described in the question, where protein particles are separated from blood corpuscles using a selective membrane.

Key Concepts

semi-permeable membranes

Semi-permeable membranes are fascinating structures central to various biological and chemical processes. These membranes have a unique property: they allow only certain substances to pass through while blocking others. Imagine it as a gatekeeper who decides what gets in and out of a cell or any other environment.

Why is this important? Well, it helps maintain balance in different systems by controlling the movement of molecules. In biological contexts, semi-permeable membranes in cells help regulate the transport of nutrients and waste products.

These membranes play a crucial role in processes like osmosis, where water moves through the membrane to balance concentrations between two solutions. They're not only key in biology but also in technologies like water purification and dialysis. By understanding their characteristics, we can harness them for various practical applications.

solute separation

Solute separation is the core function when talking about dialysis and semi-permeable membranes. It refers to the method of distinguishing different solutes based on their size or charge, enabling selective passage through a membrane.

In the context of dialysis, solute separation is crucial as it helps remove waste solutes from blood while retaining essential larger molecules such as proteins. This distinction is often based on the size of the molecules, where smaller solutes like salts and urea pass through the dialysis membrane, and larger molecules do not.

The main goal of solute separation is to achieve a suitable balance of molecules, much like keeping a clean slate where necessary solutes stay while waste exits. This principle has vast implications, from medical treatments to creating clean drinking water.

selective membrane process

Selective membrane processes are ingenious techniques that allow for the separation of specific components from a mixture. These processes rely on the discriminating nature of semi-permeable membranes. In simpler terms, a selective membrane acts like a sieve, determining what can pass through based on particular criteria.

The criteria that dictate this selective process usually include:

• Molecule size
• Charge
• Solubility
• Concentration gradients

By using these parameters, selective membranes can efficiently separate targeted solutes. Dialysis is one such selective process where the membrane plays a critical role in filtering blood by allowing only certain solutes to pass. This controlled separation is vital in clean technology applications like desalination, where salt is removed from seawater, and energy-efficient separations in the chemical industry.

Understanding the selective membrane process not only gives insights into the sophistication of natural processes but also opens doors to technological innovations in numerous fields.