Question

if the cytoplasm of a cell is at ph 7, and the mitochondrial matrix is at ph 8, then the concentration of h ions a. is 10 times higher in the cytoplasm than in the mitochondrial matrix b. in the cytoplasm is 8/7 the concentration in the mitochondrial matrix c. is 10 times higher in the mitochondrial matrix than in the cytoplasm d. in the cytoplasm is 7/8 the concentration in the mitochondrial matrix

Answer 1

The pH scale is logarithmic, so a one unit decrease in pH corresponds to a tenfold increase in hydrogen ion concentration. Therefore, if the cytoplasm of a cell is pH 7 and the mitochondria is pH 8, the cytoplasm has ten times more hydrogen ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution. The scale is logarithmic which means if one solution has a pH that is one unit lower than another solution, the solution with the lower pH has a 10 times greater concentration of hydrogen ions. So, if the cytoplasm of a cell is at pH 7, and the mitochondrial matrix is at pH 8, then the concentration of H+ ions is 10 times higher in the cytoplasm than in the mitochondrial matrix. Therefore, the correct answer is (a).

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