Final answer:
The true statements regarding the concentrations in extracellular versus intracellular spaces are that K+ ions have a lower concentration extracellularly and a higher concentration intracellularly, and Na+ ions have the opposite distribution. Additionally, the electrical gradient and sodium-potassium pump work to maintain these differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the purple, blue, and green dots which represent different ions in the extracellular and intracellular spaces:
Statement 1: Lower concentration in the extracellular space compared to the intracellular space is typically true for K+ ions (purple squares), which are more highly concentrated inside cells.Statement 2: Higher concentration in the extracellular space is typical for Na+ ions (blue pentagons) as the sodium-potassium pump moves sodium ions out of the cell, maintaining a higher concentration outside of the cell.Statement 3: There is a concentration difference between the intracellular and extracellular spaces; K+ is predominately intracellular, while Na+ is predominately extracellular. Additionally, overall net charges differ due to the presence of negatively charged proteins and other molecules within the cell.
The electrical gradient and sodium-potassium pump are essential in maintaining these concentration differences across cell membranes.