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Both Potassium (K+) and Sodium (Na+) have higher concentrations OUTSIDE the cell at rest.

a. True
b. False

1 Answer

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Final answer:

It is false that both potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) have higher concentrations outside the cell at rest; potassium is more concentrated inside the cell, and sodium is more concentrated outside due to the sodium-potassium pump.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to whether both potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) have higher concentrations outside the cell at rest is false. Potassium ions (K+) are primarily more concentrated inside the cells, while sodium ions (Na+) are more concentrated outside. The sodium-potassium pump actively moves sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell, using energy supplied by ATP. This process maintains the concentration gradient and the resting potential of the cell, where sodium (Na+) ions and chloride (Cl) ions are concentrated in the extracellular fluid (ECF) and potassium (K+) ions are concentrated inside cells. Additionally, the ratio of concentrations is approximately 10 times higher for sodium outside the cells and about 30 times higher for potassium inside the cells compared to their respective opposite sides.

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