What is the combination of a concentration gradient and an electrical gradient acting on an ion called?
AA concentration potential
BAn electrochemical gradient
CAn osmotic pressure gradient
DA dynamic equilibrium state
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. An electrochemical gradient
1. In living systems, gradients acting on ions are more complex than concentration alone.
2. The combined gradient of concentration and electrical charge that affects an ion is its electrochemical gradient.
3. When dealing with ions in aqueous solutions, this combination rather than the concentration gradient alone must be considered.
4. Osmotic pressure concerns water movement and dynamic equilibrium describes a settled state, so neither names this combined force.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 5 "Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes", section 5.3 Active Transport_
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