DONNAN EQUILIBRIUM

Donnan equilibrium: translation

An equilibrium established between a charged, immobile colloid (such as clay, ion exchange resin or cytoplasm) and a solution of electrolyte. Characteristics: ions of like charge to the colloid tend to be excluded; ions of opposite charge tend to be attracted; the colloid compartment is electrically polarized relative to the solution in the same direction as the colloid charges (a "Donnan potential") ; and the osmotic pressure is higher in the colloid compartment.

* * *