Koacervációja

Koacervációja is a Hungarian term referring to the process of coacervation. Coacervation is a phenomenon where a colloidal solution separates into two liquid phases: a concentrated, polymer-rich phase called a coacervate, and a dilute, polymer-poor phase. This separation is driven by electrostatic interactions between oppositely charged polymers or between polymers and other molecules in the solution.

The formation of coacervates is a reversible process, meaning that changing conditions like pH, temperature, or ionic strength can cause the coacervate to dissolve back into a homogeneous solution. Coacervates are often jelly-like or viscous in consistency. They have been studied as potential precursors to the origin of life, as they can concentrate molecules and potentially catalyze chemical reactions within their boundaries, mimicking early cellular structures.

In biological contexts, coacervation plays a role in the formation of certain organelles and cellular compartments, such as nucleoli and stress granules, which are not enclosed by membranes. These membrane-less organelles are thought to form through liquid-liquid phase separation, a process similar to coacervation. The study of coacervációja contributes to understanding self-assembly processes and the fundamental principles governing the organization of matter at the molecular level.