Question

The concentration of __________ ions is much greater outside the cell as compared to inside the cell, whereas the concentration of ____________ ions is much greater inside the cell as compared to outside the cell.

Answer 1

The concentration of sodium ions is greater outside the cell, while the concentration of potassium ions is greater inside the cell.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concentration of sodium (Na+) ions is much greater outside the cell as compared to inside the cell, whereas the concentration of potassium (K+) ions is much greater inside the cell as compared to outside the cell.

This concentration gradient is maintained by sodium-potassium pumps in the cell membranes that use ATP energy to pump sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell.

For example, sodium ions are more highly concentrated in the extracellular fluid, while potassium ions are more highly concentrated in the cytoplasm or intracellular fluid.