Question

Which of the following will NOT increase the net flux of an ion across a membrane?

A) elevated permeability of the membrane

B) reduced surface area

C) increased concentration gradient across the membrane

D) more channels for that ion in the membrane

E) enhanced surface area

Answer 1

Reduced surface area will not increase the net flux of an ion across a membrane, while elevated permeability, increased concentration gradient, and more ion channels would all increase ion flux.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked which factor will NOT increase the net flux of an ion across a membrane. Among the given options, reduced surface area (Option B) will not increase the net flux of an ion across a membrane. This is because an increase in surface area enhances the rate of diffusion, whereas a reduced surface area would correspondingly decrease the rate at which ions move across the membrane.

Other factors such as elevated permeability of the membrane, an increased concentration gradient across the membrane, and having more channels for the ion in the membrane would all facilitate a higher net flux of ions.