DEFINITIONS - LETTER D

DEXTRAN - a synthetic carbohydrate with a molecular weight (MW) of approximately 75,000; often administered in i.v. fluids to generate colloid osmotic pressure and slow the loss of fluids from the vasculature in conditions associated with dehydration or the body water compartments

DIFFUSION - movement of solute particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low solute concentration; solutes are said to diffuse "down their concentration gradient"

DIMERS - two molecules joined together

DIPLOID - 2n (having 2 complete sets of chromosomes)

DISSOLVE - to break down to the molecular level; generally, substances must dissolve to the molecular level before they can ionize

DISTAL - farthest away from the center of the body