Small ions in biological fluids:
A) encourage strong electrostatic interactions between oppositely charged macroions at low ionic strengths.
B) encourage strong electrostatic interactions between oppositely charged macroions at high ionic strengths.
C) have no effect on the interactions between oppositely charged macroions.
D) tend to cluster around macroions of the same charge.
E) have large effects on pH.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Small ions in biological fluids can shield the charges on macroions, reducing electrostatic repulsion and encouraging attraction between oppositely charged macroions at low ionic strengths. This phenomenon is known as charge screening or ionic shielding.

Small Ions in Biological Fluids