Concerning Hyponatremia ( Has to do with membrane)

[Andrew858G]

Well first of all I’d like to say hey guys, my name is Andrew, and I’m new to these forums, but after finding this I’ll sure be an active member!

Well I go to Rice University, and was confused at this question.

if not balanced by the intake of fluids such as
Gatorade, which contain dissolved solutes, these individuals may become ill and may even die
due to “water toxicity” (hyponatremia), of the blood. In terms of membrane transport discuss
what effect this condition has upon their blood and surrounding body cells.

I’m not sure how to answer or approach this question. I know that hyponatremia may cause osmotic shift of water from the plasma membrane onto the brain, but I need a detailed response. I’ve been searching this for a while now, and can’t seem to grasp this subject. I understand the symptoms, causes, etc.. But I don’t understand the effect on blood and surrounding body cells.

Please, if you can help me, it is much appreciated in advance!

[JackBean]

Well, if will you drink too much water, your blood will be diluted and blood cell may be in hypotonic enviroment and what happens with blood cells in hypotonic enviroment?

[Andrew858G]

The blood cell crenates correct? But then once it crenates what happens?

[JackBean]

Not sure, what to understand under crenates, but basically it takes water and takes water… and what happens to animal cells taking too much water?

[Andrew858G]

They lyse or burst.

but that doesnt answer the question:

Individuals participating in long endurance sport events, such as a marathon, are encouraged to
drink large amounts of water. However , if not balanced by the intake of fluids such as
Gatorade, which contain dissolved solutes, these individuals may become ill and may even die
due to “water toxicity” (hyponatremia), of the blood. In terms of membrane transport discuss
what effect this condition has upon their blood and surrounding body cells

[canalon]

The first thing you have to answer is:
They lose water but they replace it. But doing s they also need to add electrolytes. Why?

[Andrew858G]

Thats the part Im lost on ..

[canalon]

How do they lose water?
What is this made of?

[Andrew858G]

How do the cells lose water or the water in general? The water is lost through diffusion from high to low concentration, making your cells have to much water causing them to burst or lyse?

the answer should focus on the effect the situation has on blood and surrounding body cells.

[canalon]

You are too focused on the cell level for the moment. Start looking at the basic level of observation.
The loss of water during exercise happens at the cellular level, but because of a more general cause (although admittedly, some cells are involved at this stage too). If you are still wondering I suggest you go run 5 miles in full sun and look at your T-Shirt… You could even taste it (or look at the composition on the internet or your textbook).
Because the water lost that way will come from somewher, i.e. your blood. And all the remaining ingredients too. That is where you can try to figure out what is happening at the cellular level.

[Andrew858G]

Sadly, it took three days to get a very minimum help or guidance, but I got the answer, thanks guys..

[canalon]

It took you 3 days to realize that sweat is salty and now you complain about lack of guidance?
You had plenty of guidance, I just asked you to think about your answers, obviously the problem is not on the forum side… But we expect people to come here to get help, not get spoon fed answers.

[Andrew858G]

Sweat is salty had nothing to do with the answer I needed nor the answer to the question

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