Question

The electrochemical gradient for K⁺ across the plasma membrane is small. Therefore, any movement of K⁺ from the inside to the outside of the cell is driven solely by its concentration gradient.

1) True
2) False

Answer 1

The movement of K⁺ from the inside to the outside of the cell is not solely driven by its concentration gradient, but also by the electrical gradient across the plasma membrane.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is False. The movement of K⁺ from the inside to the outside of the cell is not only driven by its concentration gradient, but also by the electrical gradient across the plasma membrane. While the concentration gradient tends to drive K⁺ out of the cell, the electrical gradient also tends to drive it into the cell. The combined gradient of concentration and electrical charge that affects K⁺ is called its electrochemical gradient.