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Donnan effect (Gibbs-Donnan effect) The unequal distribution of a diffusible ion across a semi-permeable membrane when an impermeable electrolyte, such as a protein, is also present on one side; e.g. a solution of an anionic protein with Na+ as a counter-ion, in contact through a membrane with a NaCl solution, will result in the transfer of Cl- into the protein compartment and an equivalent amount of Na+ out of it, such that the products of concentrations, [Na+]3[Cl-], in each compartment are equal.

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