Ions diffuse across membranes through specific ion channels down ________.
A) their chemical gradients
B) their concentration gradients
C) their electrical gradients
D) their electrochemical gradients
E) the osmotic potential gradients

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ions diffuse across membranes through specific ion channels down their electrochemical gradients, which is a combination of both their chemical gradient and electrical gradient. The chemical gradient is determined by the concentration of the ion on either side of the membrane while the electrical gradient is determined by the charge difference on either side of the membrane. The electrochemical gradient determines the direction and magnitude of ion movement across the membrane.

Ions Diffuse Across Membranes Through Specific Ion Channels Down ________