Question

Which two electrolytes are in greatest concentration in the ICF (intracellular fluid)?

a. Na⁺ and Cl⁻
b. K⁺ and Na⁺
c. Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺
d. K⁺ and Cl⁻
e. K⁺ and HPO₄²⁻

Answer 1

The electrolytes with the highest concentration in the ICF are potassium (K+) and phosphate (HPO₄⁻²), maintained by active transport mechanisms like the sodium-potassium pump.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two electrolytes in greatest concentration in the Intracellular Fluid (ICF) are potassium (K+) and phosphate (HPO₄⁻²). While sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions are concentrated in the Extracellular Fluid (ECF), the ICF is characterized by high levels of potassium and phosphate.

These concentrations are maintained by mechanisms such as the sodium-potassium pump, which actively transports sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell.