Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
15:27
Internalization and Observation of Fluorescent Biomolecules in Living Microorganisms via Electroporation
Published on: February 8, 2015
THE PENETRATION OF CO(2) INTO LIVING PROTOPLASM.
1The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
The Journal of General Physiology
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) primarily enters Valonia cells as undissociated molecules. Internal cell acidity influences CO(2) concentration, with more acidic interiors resulting in lower external CO(2) levels at equilibrium.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Plant Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Understanding cellular gas exchange is crucial for plant physiology.
- Valonia serves as a model organism for studying cellular transport mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) entry into Valonia cells.
- To determine the relationship between intracellular pH and CO(2) concentration.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted on normal Valonia cells.
- Measurements of CO(2) concentrations and pH gradients were performed.
Main Results:
- CO(2) entry into Valonia cells occurs predominantly as undissociated molecules.
- A more acidic intracellular environment correlates with a lower total CO(2) concentration at equilibrium.
Conclusions:
- Valonia cells regulate CO(2) uptake through undissociated molecules.
- Intracellular pH is a key factor modulating CO(2) levels within Valonia cells.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Carbon Dioxide Transport in the Blood
Carbon dioxide (CO2) transport in the blood is critical to human physiology. On average, our body cells produce around 200 mL of CO2 per minute, precisely the quantity expelled by the lungs. This process involves the transportation of CO2 from the tissue cells to the lungs in three primary forms.
Forms of CO2 Transport
1. Dissolved in plasma: A small percentage (7-10%) of CO2 is transported and dissolved directly in the plasma.
2. Carbaminohemoglobin: Just over 20% of CO2 is chemically bound to...
Forms of CO2 Transport
1. Dissolved in plasma: A small percentage (7-10%) of CO2 is transported and dissolved directly in the plasma.
2. Carbaminohemoglobin: Just over 20% of CO2 is chemically bound to...
01:28Carbon-dioxide Fixation
Carbon dioxide fixation in prokaryotes enables the assimilation of inorganic carbon into organic molecules, supporting biosynthetic pathways, sustaining ecosystems, and contributing to the global carbon cycle. It also has industrial applications in carbon capture and bioproduct synthesis. Autotrophic organisms rely on this process to utilize CO₂ as a carbon source in diverse environments.The Calvin CycleThe Calvin cycle is the most widespread carbon fixation mechanism, primarily used by...
01:24External and Internal Respiration
External respiration occurs in the lungs, and it is the first step in the journey of oxygen inside the body. When we inhale, oxygen enters our lungs and diffuses across the thin alveolar membrane. The alveoli are tiny, air-filled sacs that provide a vast surface area for gas exchange. Oxygen in the alveoli has a higher partial pressure (105 mmHg) than in the adjacent pulmonary capillaries (40 mmHg), establishing a pressure gradient. As a result, oxygen molecules move from the alveoli into the...
01:18Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration is a crucial metabolic process through which cells obtain energy from organic substances, mainly glucose, to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process includes the oxidation of substrates and the transfer of electrons to a separate electron acceptor, facilitating ATP synthesis through a sequence of biochemical reactions.Glycolysis: The Initial StepGlycolysis is the first stage of cellular respiration, occurring in the cytoplasm of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic...
01:20Gas Exchange and Transport
Gas exchange, the intake of molecular oxygen (O2) from the environment and the outflow of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the environment, is necessary for cellular function. Gas exchange during respiration occurs largely via the movement of gas molecules along pressure gradients. Gas travels from areas of higher partial pressure to areas of lower partial pressure. In mammals, gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs, which are adjacent to capillaries and share a membrane with them.
01:15Pyruvate Oxidation
After glycolysis, the charged pyruvate molecules enter the mitochondria via active transport and undergo three enzymatic reactions. These reactions ensure that pyruvate can enter the next metabolic pathway so that energy stored in the pyruvate molecules can be harnessed by the cells.
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...