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Thermodynamics of Membrane Diffusion: Uncharged Molecule definitions

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  • Membrane Diffusion
    Movement of molecules across a biological barrier without bond formation, driven by concentration differences.
  • Uncharged Molecule
    A chemical species lacking net electrical charge, whose diffusion is governed solely by concentration gradients.
  • Gibbs Free Energy
    A thermodynamic quantity indicating the spontaneity and energy change of a process under constant temperature and pressure.
  • ΔG Transport
    The energy change associated with the movement of a substance across a membrane, calculated for diffusion processes.
  • ΔG°
    The standard energy change for a process, set to zero for membrane diffusion since no chemical bonds are altered.
  • Reaction Quotient
    A ratio expressing concentrations on both sides of a membrane, representing the direction and extent of diffusion.
  • Chemical Gradient
    A difference in concentration across a membrane, serving as the driving force for diffusion of uncharged molecules.
  • Gas Constant
    A physical constant valued at 8.315 joules/(moles·K), used in thermodynamic calculations involving energy and temperature.
  • Kelvin
    The absolute temperature scale required for thermodynamic equations, ensuring correct calculation of energy changes.
  • Concentration
    The amount of a substance present on either side of a membrane, determining the direction and magnitude of diffusion.
  • Product
    The final side of a membrane where a molecule accumulates after diffusion, used in calculating the reaction quotient.
  • Reactant
    The initial side of a membrane from which a molecule begins its diffusion, forming the denominator in the reaction quotient.
  • Natural Logarithm
    A mathematical function applied to the reaction quotient in thermodynamic equations, reflecting the energy change.
  • Thermodynamics
    The study of energy changes and spontaneity in physical and chemical processes, including membrane diffusion.