The following statements correctly describe(s) the driving forces for diffusion of Na+ and K+ ions through their respective channels:
The diffusion of Na+ ions into the cell is facilitated by the Na+ concentration gradient across the plasma membrane.
The diffusion of K+ ions out of the cell impeded by the electrical gradient across the plasma membrane
The electrochemical gradient is larger Na+ than for K+Further explanation
Because ions carry a charge (positive or negative), their transport across a membrane is governed not only by concentration gradients across the membrane but also by differences in charge across the membrane (also referred to as membrane potential). Together, the concentration (chemical) gradient and the charge difference (electrical gradient) across the plasma membrane make up the electrochemical gradient.
Consider the plasma membrane of an animal cell that contains a sodium-potassium pump as well as two non-gated (always open) ion channels: a Na+ channel and a K+ channel. The effect of the sodium-potassium pump on the concentrations of Na+ and K+ as well as the distribution of charge across the plasma membrane is indicated in the figure below.
Which of the following statements correctly describe(s) the driving forces for diffusion of Na+ and K+ ions through their respective channels? Select all that apply.
The diffusion of Na+ ions into the cell is facilitated by the Na+ concentration gradient across the plasma membrane.
This is true. The electrochemical gradient for an ion is the sum of the concentration (chemical) gradient and the electrical gradient (charge difference) across the membrane. For Na+ ions, diffusion through the Na+ channel is driven by both the concentration gradient and the electrical gradient. The diffusion of Na+ ions into the cell is impeded by the electrical gradient across the plasma membrane. This is falseThe diffusion of K+ ions out of the cell is impeded by the K+ concentration gradient across the plasma membrane. This is falseThe diffusion of K+ ions out of the cell is impeded by the electrical gradient across the plasma membrane. This is true. The concentration gradient of K+ ions across the membrane (higher K+ concentration inside) facilitates the diffusion of K+ out of the cell. However, the electrical gradient across the membrane (excess positive charge outside) impedes the diffusion of K+ out of the cell.
The electrochemical gradient is larger for Na+ than for K+. This is true.
The electrochemical gradient for an ion is the sum of the concentration (chemical) gradient and the electrical gradient (charge difference) across the membrane. For K+ ions, the electrical gradient opposes the concentration gradient. Therefore, the electrochemical gradient for Na+ is greater than the electrochemical gradient for K+.Learn moreLearn more about the driving forces for diffusion Learn more about K+ ions Learn more about Na+ ions Answer details
Grade: 9
Subject: biology
Chapter: The diffusion of ions
Keywords: the driving forces for diffusion, Na+, K+ ions, channels, plasma membrane