Dialysis (biochemistry)

Dialysis (biochemistry)

Dialysis (biochemistry) is a process used in biochemistry to separate molecules based on their size and shape. This process is often used to remove unwanted small molecules from a solution of larger molecules.

Process[edit | edit source]

Dialysis works by diffusion, a process where molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. In dialysis, a semi-permeable membrane is used to separate the small molecules from the larger ones. The small molecules pass through the membrane, while the larger molecules are retained.

File:Dialysis (biochemistry).jpg

A diagram showing the process of dialysis in biochemistry.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Dialysis is used in a variety of applications in biochemistry. It is often used to remove salts or other small molecules from a solution of larger molecules, such as proteins. This can be important in the preparation of samples for further analysis or use.

Types of Dialysis[edit | edit source]

There are several types of dialysis used in biochemistry, including:

Continuous dialysis: This is a type of dialysis where the dialysis solution is continuously replaced. This can be useful for removing a large amount of small molecules from a solution.

Equilibrium dialysis: This is a type of dialysis where the solution is allowed to reach equilibrium, meaning that the concentration of small molecules is the same on both sides of the membrane.