Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Osmolyte
Introduction
Osmolytes are organic compounds affecting osmosis[1]. They are soluble in the solution within a cell. They play a role in maintaining cell volume and fluid balance. For example, when a cell swells due to external osmotic pressure, membrane channels open and allow efflux of osmolytes which carry water with them, restoring normal cell volume.
Natural osmolytes include trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), dimethylsulfoniopropionate, trimethylglycine, and others.
References
- Review of Medical Physiology, William F. Ganong, McGraw-Hill Medical, ISBN 978-0071440400.
- “A Backbone-Based Theory of Protein folding” Rose et al. PNAS November 7, 2006 vol 103 no. 45 16623-16633