Colloid

Colloids are particles that form a network or fiber in the structure of a solid or liquid substance. The main difference between solutions and colloids is that colloids have a structure that is similar to that of water molecules.

The different types of colloids can be divided into two main types: inorganic and organic colloidal systems. Organic colloids include proteins, polymers, lipids and many other compounds. Some chemical reactions occurring in a living organism lead to the formation of colloidal structures. For example, hemoglobin, one of the most important proteins in the human body, is an example of an organic colloidal formation. Colloids are widespread in nature, in particular, they are presented in the form of various soils, that is, humus - a layer of soil or soil formed from plant remains (detritus remains). It consists of the dead remains of vegetative organs, as well as the living roots of many plants remaining in the ground after they die; This is the main source of soil nutrition. They also exist in the air, for example in the form of dust. One of the most popular examples of a colloidal system in biology is the intercellular fluid - a transparent liquid found between the cells of living organisms. This fluid is a medium for transporting various nutrients, such as water, metal salts, glucose and amino acids, between the cell and the environment.

In addition, colloids are used in various industrial processes. For example, gelatin is a protein substance that is used to stabilize soaps, cosmetics and foods. Cosmetics such as