Question

For which of the following ions is the cytosolic concentration typically higher than the extracellular concentration?

1) Calcium
2) Chloride
3) Magnesium
4) Sodium
5) Potassium

Answer 1

Potassium (K+) is the ion with the typically higher cytosolic concentration compared to its extracellular concentration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which ion has a higher concentration inside cells (cytosolic concentration) compared to the extracellular space. Among the options provided, potassium (K+) is the ion known to have a higher cytosolic concentration. Potassium is the major intracellular cation, helping to establish the resting membrane potential in neurons and muscle fibers. In contrast, ions such as sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca+2), and chloride (Cl-) typically have higher concentrations outside of cells in the extracellular fluid.