Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 3 - Section 3.3 - Membrane Transport - Apply What You Know - Page 92: 1

Answer

Lower. Reduced albumin will result in less osmotic pressure and a lower level of fluid in side A.

Work Step by Step

If the albumin concentration on side A was half of what it was in the original experiment, then the fluid on that side would reach a lower level than before at equilibrium. Because the concentration of water is greater on side B than side A, water will flow down the concentration gradient to side A (osmosis). Since we cut the albumin concentration on side A in half, the starting concentration of water is double on side A in this new experiment than in the original experiment. This reduces the "slope" of the concentration gradient and results in slower/less filtration (less osmotic pressure). The more nonpermeating solute (albumin) there is in A, the greater the osmotic pressure and the higher the fluid level.
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