Final answer:
The gradient in question that is influenced by both the electrical gradient and the chemical concentration gradient is called the electrochemical gradient.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gradient that is dependent on the combination of the electrical gradient and the chemical concentration gradient is referred to as the electrochemical gradient.
In living systems, cells exhibit both an electrical gradient across the plasma membrane due to the presence of ions and proteins, and also a concentration gradient, where ions like sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) have different concentrations inside and outside the cell.
The electrochemical gradient is crucial because it affects how ions move across the cell membrane, which is particularly important for nerve and muscle cell function.
For example, the electrochemical gradient tends to drive Na+ into the cell because both the concentration gradient and the electrical gradient favor this movement. On the contrary, while the electrical gradient encourages K+ to enter the cell, the concentration gradient promotes its exit.