Question

An electrochemical gradient has a chemical component and an electrical component. Which of the following will have the largest electrochemical gradient?

-a positively charged ion, such as Na+ at high concentrations outside of the cell
-a negatively charged ion, such as Cl-, at high concentrations outside the cell
-a positively charged ion, such as K+, at high concentration inside the cell

Answer 1

The largest electrochemical gradient will be found in a positively charged ion, such as Na+ at high concentrations outside of the cell.

Step-by-step explanation:

The largest electrochemical gradient will be found in a positively charged ion, such as Na+ at high concentrations outside of the cell. This is because the concentration gradient for Na+ is strong and tends to drive it into the cell. Additionally, the electrical gradient, created by the negative charge inside the cell, also attracts the positively charged Na+ ions towards the inside of the cell.