Question

Since it is the electrochemical gradient that determines the direction and magnitude of an ion's movement

across a membrane, describe how one can determine the direction of ion movement based on the electrical and
chemical gradients_____

Answer 1

The direction of ion movement across a membrane depends on the electrical and chemical gradients, which together form the electrochemical gradient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The direction of ion movement across a membrane can be determined based on the electrical and chemical gradients, which together form the electrochemical gradient. The electrical gradient is created by the difference in charge across the plasma membrane, with the inside of the cell being negatively charged compared to the outside. The chemical gradient is the difference in concentration of ions across the membrane.

If an ion is positively charged (cation) and there is a higher concentration of it outside the cell, it will be driven into the cell by the electrical gradient. If an ion is negatively charged (anion) and there is a higher concentration of it inside the cell, it will be driven out of the cell by the electrical gradient. Therefore, the direction of ion movement depends on the relative concentration and charge on both sides of the membrane.