BIOCHEMISTRY - BIO O24

Prepared by: Sir Michael Z. Cayabyab/ RAD Instructor

COLLIGATIVE PROPERTIES OF SOLUTION

➢ A property of a solution that is dependent on the ratio between the total numbers of solute
particles (in the solution) to the total number of solvent particles.
➢ Are not dependent on the chemical nature of the solution’s components. Thus, colligative
properties can be linked to several quantities that express the concentration of a solution, such
as molarity, normality, and molality.
➢ The word “colligative” has been adapted or taken from the Latin word “colligatus” which
translates to “bind together”. In the context of defining a solution, colligative properties help
us understand how the properties of the solution are linked to the concentration of solute in
the solution.

COLLIGATIVE PROPERTIES EXAMPLES

➢ If we add a pinch of salt to a glass full of water its freezing temperature is lowered considerably
than the normal temperature. Alternatively, its boiling temperature is also increased and the
solution will have a lower vapour pressure. There are changes in its osmotic pressure as well.
➢ Similarly, if we add alcohol to water, the solution’s freezing point goes down below the normal
temperature that is observed for either pure water or alcohol.

The four colligative properties that can be exhibited by a solution are:

1. Vapour pressure lowering

2. Boiling point elevation
3. Freezing point depression
4. Osmotic pressure

1. Vapour pressure lowering In a pure solvent, the entire surface is occupied

2. Boiling point elevation
by the molecules of the solvent. If a non- volatile
solute is added to the solvent, the surface now
has both solute and solvent molecules; thereby
fraction of surface covered by solvent molecules
gets reduced. Since the vapour pressure of the
solution is solely due to solvent alone, at the
same temperature the vapour pressure of the
solution is found to be lower than that of the pure
solvent.
The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at
which the vapour pressure is equal to
atmospheric pressure. We know that on the
addition of a non-volatile liquid to a pure solvent,
the vapour pressure of a solution decrease.
Therefore to make vapour pressure equal to
atmospheric pressure we have to increase the
temperature of the solution. The difference in the
boiling point of the solution and the boiling point
 of the pure solvent is termed as elevation in
boiling point.
3. Freezing point depression The freezing point of a substance is defined as
the temperature at which the vapour pressure of
its liquid is equal to the vapour of the
corresponding solid. According to Raoult’s law
when a non-volatile solid is added to the solvent
its vapour pressure decreases and now it would
become equal to that of solid solvent at a lower
temperature. The difference between the
freezing point of the pure solvent and its solution
is called depression in freezing point.
4. Osmotic pressure When a semipermeable membrane is placed
between a solution and solvent, it is observed
that solvent molecules enter the solution through
the semipermeable membrane and the volume
of the solution increases. The semi-permeable
membrane allows only solvent molecules to
pass through it but prevents the passage of
bigger molecules like solute. This phenomenon
of the spontaneous flow of solvent molecules
through a semipermeable membrane from a
pure solvent to a solution or from a dilute to a
concentrated solution is called osmosis.
The flow of solvent molecules through the
semipermeable membrane can be stopped if
some extra pressure is applied from the solution
side. This pressure that just stops the flow of
solvent is called osmotic pressure of the
solution.

Different Solutions

• Isotonic solution: Two solutions having the same osmotic pressure at a given temperature
are known as an isotonic solution. When such solutions are separated by a semi-permeable
membrane than there is no osmosis.
• Hypotonic solution: A hypotonic solution has a lower osmotic pressure than that of the
surrounding i.e, the concentration of solute particles is less than that of the surrounding. If the
hypotonic solution is separated by semipermeable membrane then water moves out of the
hypotonic solution.
• Hypertonic solution: A hypertonic solution has a higher osmotic pressure than that of the
surrounding i.e, the concentration of solute particles is more than that of the surrounding. If
the hypertonic solution is separated by semipermeable membrane then water moves inside
the hypertonic solution.
Types of Fluid
Fluids are categorized as colloids, crystalloids, and blood products.
1. Colloid
Large molecules are inside the solutions that will not be able to pass the cell membranes. Thus, the
large molecules will remain in the intravascular compartment.

Types of Colloid Solutions

5% albumin (Human albumin solution)
• Most commonly used colloid solutions
• Expensive
• Limited due to the number of human donors
Cannot be given for those with:
• Severe anemia
• Heart failure
• Albumin sensitivity

Hydroxyethalstarches

Hydroxyethalstarches is less expensive than 5% albumin and can be used after a major surgery and
severe burns.
What You Need to Know About Using Colloid Solutions:
• Risk for fluid volume overload – watch for signs and symptoms
• Use 18-gauge needles when administering colloid solutions
• Can cause increased bleeding time

2. Crystalloid
Small molecules in the solutions that will be able to flow across the cell membranes. The small
molecules can transfer from the bloodstream into the cells.
Subcategories of Crystalloid:
• Isotonic
• Hypotonic
• Hypertonic

Isotonic Solution
Isotonic solution is also known as normal saline solution. Isotonic solution is given to ensure that the
cells remain in the extracellular compartment. Goal is to increase the intravascular volume. We want
to treat low extracellular fluid so it makes sense that we’d use isotonic solution to keep cells in the
extracellular compartment.

Isotonic solutions are given for:

• Hemorrhage
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fistulas (Dialysis)
• Wounds
• GI suction
• Shock
• Metabolic acidosis
• Fluid used with administering blood products
Types of Isotonic Solutions:

0.9% sodium chloride (0.9% NaCl)

• Replaces extracellular fluid
• Use cautiously for those with cardiac or renal disease
• Observe for fluid volume overload

Lactated Ringer’s solution

• Most adaptable fluid
• Electrolyte content is closest to body’s blood serum and plasma composition
• First choice of fluid for burn injuries
• Do not give to patients with kidney failure due to the amount of potassium LR’s solution contains.
Kidney cannot excrete the potassium well.
• Do not administer when pH is greater than 7.5

5% dextrose in water (D5W)

• D5W Solution is isotonic until dextrose is metabolized.
• After dextrose is metabolized, the D5W solution becomes hypotonic. (Fluid shift into cells.)
• Does not replace electrolytes.
• Contraindicated with renal failure or cardiac disease.
• Contraindicated with intracranial pressure or risk for intracranial pressure.
• Do not mix dextrose with blood due to hemolysis potential.

Ringer’s solution
• Contains sodium, potassium, calcium, and chlorine.
• Does not contain lactate like LR.

Hypotonic Solution
Hypotonic solutions have a lower concentration of solutes.
Hypotonic solution hydrate the cells, but causes fluid depletion in the circulatory system. (Fluid shift
from intravascular space to intracellular and interstitial spaces.)
Hypotonic solutions lower serum sodium levels so it’s essential to monitor sodium levels.

Types of Hypotonic Solutions:

• 45% sodium chloride (0.45% NaCl)
• 33% sodium chloride
• 2% sodium chloride
• 5% dextrose in water

Hypotonic solutions are given for conditions causing intracellular dehydration such as:
• Hypernatremia
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state

Contraindications of hypotonic solutions:

• Increased intracranial pressure
• Cerebral edema
• Liver disease
• Trauma
• Burns
• Low blood pressure – Blood pressure will continue to drop
Hypertonic Solution
Hypertonic solutions have a higher solute concentration.
Hypertonic solutions assist in restoring the circulating volume by bringing the water out of the
intracellular space causing the extracellular fluid volume to increase. Hypertonic solutions are volume
expanders.
Giving hypertonic solutions can cause a risk for hypernatremia and volume overload. Watch out for
pulmonary edema and fluid volume overload.
Hypertonic solutions are given for hypovolemia and hyponatremia.
Types of Hypertonic Solutions:
• D5W 1/2 NS (D5W 0.45% NS)
• D5W 0.09% NS (D5W NS)
• 3% sodium chloride (3% NaCl)
3% NaCl hypertonic solution’s given for severe hyponatremia or cerebral edema.

Types of Isotonic Solutions:

Image references

0.9% sodium chloride (0.9% NaCl)

Lactated Ringer’s solution

 5% dextrose in water (D5W)

Ringer’s solution

Types of Hypotonic Solutions:

45% sodium chloride (0.45% NaCl)

33% sodium chloride, 2% sodium chloride

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE
 5% dextrose in water

TERMS TO REMEMBER

Osmosis Osmosis is the movement of solvent particles across a

semipermeable membrane from a dilute solution into a
concentrated solution. The solvent moves to dilute the
concentrated solution and equalize the concentration on
both sides of the membrane.

Examples include red blood cells swelling up when

exposed to freshwater and plant root hairs taking up water.
To see an easy demonstration of osmosis, soak gummy
candies in water. The gel of the candies acts as a
semipermeable membrane.
Diffusion Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of
higher concentration to lower concentration. The overall
effect is to equalize concentration throughout the medium.

Examples of diffusion include the scent of perfume filling a

whole room and the movement of small molecules across
a cell membrane. One of the simplest demonstrations of
diffusion is adding a drop of food coloring to water.
Although other transport processes do occur, diffusion is
the key player.
Osmotic Pressure The pressure exerted by the flow of water through a semi
permeable membrane separating two solutions with differ
ent concentrations of solute.
Osmoles Both osmolarity and osmolality are defined in terms of
osmoles. An osmole is a unit of measurement that
describes the number of moles of a compound that
contribute to the osmotic pressure of a chemical solution.

The osmole is related to osmosis and is used in reference

to a solution where osmotic pressure is important, such as
blood and urine.
 Osmolarity Osmolarity is defined as the number of osmoles of solute
per liter (L) of a solution. It is expressed in terms of osmol/L
or Osm/L. Osmolarity depends on the number of particles
in a chemical solution, but not on the identity of those
molecules or ions.
Osmolality Osmolality is defined as the number of osmoles of solute
per kilogram of solvent. It is expressed in terms of
osmol/kg or Osm/kg.

When the solvent is water, osmolarity and osmolality may

be nearly the same under ordinary conditions, since the
approximate density of water is 1 g/ml or 1 kg/L. The value
changes as the temperature changes (e.g., the density of
water at 100 C is 0.9974 kg/L).

Hemolysis Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells. Red blood

cells normally live for 110 to 120 days. After that, they
naturally break down and are most often removed from the
circulation by the spleen.

Crenation Describes the formation of abnormal notched surfaces on

cells as a result of water loss through osmosis. One of a
series of rounded projections (or the notches between
them) formed by curves along an edge (as the edge of a
leaf or piece of cloth or the margin of a shell or a shriveled
red blood cell observed in a hypertonic solution etc.)

Diffusion Versus Osmosis

Diffusion Osmosis

Any type of substance moves from an area of Only water or another solvent moves from a
highest energy or concentration to a region of region of high energy or concentration to a region
lowest energy or concentration. of lower energy or concentration.

Diffusion can occur in any medium, whether it is Osmosis occurs only in a liquid medium.
liquid, solid, or gas.

Diffusion does not require a semipermeable Osmosis requires a semipermeable membrane.

membrane.

The concentration of the diffusion substance The concentration of the solvent does not become
equalizes to fill the available space. equal on both sides of the membrane.

Hydrostatic pressure and turgor pressure do not Hydrostatic pressure and turgor pressure oppose
normally apply to diffusion. osmosis.

Diffusion does not depend on solute potential, Osmosis depends on solute potential.
pressure potential, or water potential.
 Diffusion Versus Osmosis

Diffusion mainly depends on the presence of Osmosis mainly depends on the number of solute
other particles. particles dissolved in the solvent.

Diffusion is a passive process. Osmosis is a passive process.

The movement in diffusion is to equalize The movement in osmosis seeks to equalize

concentration (energy) throughout the system. solvent concentration, although it does not
achieve this.

Key Points

Facts to remember about diffusion and osmosis:

• Diffusion and osmosis are both passive transport processes that act to equalize the
concentration of a solution.
• In diffusion, particles move from an area of higher concentration to one of lower
concentration until equilibrium is reached. In osmosis, a semipermeable membrane is
present, so only the solvent molecules are free to move to equalize concentration.

Some of good to know informations:

Parts of syringe
ANGLES & ROUTES