equilibrium dialysis
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e·qui·lib·ri·um di·al·y·sis
in immunology, a method for determination of association constants for hapten-antibody reactions in a system in which the hapten (dialyzable) and antibody (nondialyzable) solutions are separated by semipermeable membranes. Because, at equilibrium the quantity of free hapten will be the same in the two compartments, quantitative determinations can be made of hapten-bound antibody, free antibody, and free hapten.
e·qui·lib·ri·um di·a·ly·sis
(ē'kwi-lib'rē-ŭm dī-al'i-sis)immunology A method for determination of association constants for hapten-antibody reactions in a system in which the hapten (dialyzable) and antibody (nondialyzable) solutions are separated by semipermeable membranes.
equilibrium
a state of balance between opposing forces or influences. In the body, equilibrium may be chemical or physical. A state of chemical equilibrium is reached when the body tissues contain the proper proportions of various salts and water. See also acid-base balance and fluid balance. Physical equilibrium, such as the state of balance required for walking or standing, is achieved by a very complex interplay of opposing sets of muscles. The labyrinth of the inner ear contains the semicircular canals, or organs of balance, and relays to the brain information about the body's position and also the direction of body motions. Genetic equilibrium is achieved when the allelic frequencies do not change from generation to generation.
equilibrium dialysis
a technique for determining the affinity of an antibody for an antigen.
dynamic equilibrium
the condition of balance between varying, shifting and opposing forces that is characteristic of living processes.