Question

1. Will Diffusion increase or decrease as the axial ratio of a macromolecule increases? Why?

2.Which has a greater Diffusion, a rigid rod or a flexible rod, both having the same length and cross section and made of the same material? Why?

Answer 1

1. Diffusion will increase as the axial ratio of a macromolecule increases

Explanation : Surface charges on the molecules which also affect the "diffusion". When these small molecules diffuse the protein solution, the diffusivity of the molecules decreases with increasing protein concentrations. During the diffusion of small molecules in protein solution, the diffusion may be blocked by the large molecules. " Macromolecules" have large molecular weights and various random shapes that may be coil-like, rod-like or globular (spheres or ellipsoids). They form true solutions. Their sizes and shapes affect their diffusion in solutions.

The relationship between (R_e / $\bar{R}$) which based on effective surface area and (R_s / $\bar{R}$) = (f / f₀) for oblate and prolate ellipsoids of varying degrees of symmetry. For prolate ellipsoids as axial ratio increases, the ratio of (R_e / $\bar{R}$) increases progressively.

The axial ratio on a linear scale and the axial ratio on a logarithmic scale to cover several orders of magnitude.

2. A rigid rod has a greater diffusion than a flexible rod.

We know that, both having the same length and same cross section area. They are made up of the same material.