Question

If a positively charged ion is more concentrated outside the cell, the forces required to balance the chemical gradient would be directed ________. Thus, the equilibrium potential for this ion would be ________ charged. If a positively charged ion is more concentrated outside the cell, the forces required to balance the chemical gradient would be directed ________. Thus, the equilibrium potential for this ion would be ________ charged. inward : negatively outward : positively outward : neutrally inward : positively outward : negatively

Answer 1

Answer: If a positively charged ion is more concentrated outside the cell, the forces required to balance the chemical gradient would be directed OUTWARD. Thus, the equilibrium potential for this ion would be POSITIVELY charged. The correct answer is OUTWARD: POSITIVELY.

Explanation: Usually across a cell membrane there is a force that acts on it which is as a result of unequal distribution of charges. This force is known as electrochemical driving force. It is determined by the difference between the membrane potential ( that is, the electrical potential difference across the cell membrane) and the ion equilibrium potential. The membrane potential of a cell helps in signal transmission between different parts of the cell and results when there is unequal distribution across the cell.

Therefore If a positively charged ion is more concentrated outside the cell, the forces required to balance the chemical gradient would be directed outward.Thus, the equilibrium potential for this ion would be positively charged.

Answer 2

Inward:negatively

Step-by-step explanation:

This question is duplicated making it incorrectly asked. The correct question is:

If a positively charged ion is more concentrated outside the cell, the forces required to balance the chemical gradient would be directed ________. Thus, the equilibrium potential for this ion would be ________ charged.

inward : negatively, outward : positively, outward : neutrally, inward : positively, outward : negatively

The answer is Inward:negatively

Chemical gradient across a cell or biological membrane is the gradient of the concentration of the ions in the cell or the membrane. To balance the chemical gradient across a cell, an equal force in an opposite direction is required and equilibrium potential must be zero. For instance a positive charge ion more concentrated outside the cell will require a force directed inwardly with a negative charge ion to neutralise the positive charge ion