Kidney dialysis relies on diffusion of various dissolved waste molecules (solutes) across a non-living semipermeable membrane. If the concentration of solutes in the blood increases over time before dialysis is administered, what will happen to the rate of dialysis when it occurs?
A) It will remain the same since there are no carrier molecules in a non-living membrane.
B) The rate will slow down since the solute is more viscous.
C) The rate will speed up since the concentration gradient is higher.
D) It will remain the same since there is no active transport in a non-living membrane.
E) The rate will depend on the amount of time given for diffusion to take place.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of dialysis will speed up since the concentration gradient (the difference in concentration of solutes between the blood and dialysate) will be higher, leading to greater diffusion of solutes across the semipermeable membrane. This means that more waste molecules will be removed from the blood during dialysis, resulting in a more effective treatment.

Kidney Dialysis Relies on Diffusion of Various Dissolved Waste Molecules