What happens when we establish a concentration gradient for K+ by adding 100 mM KCl to compartment A, and 10 mM KCl + 90 mM NaCl to compartment B?
What happens when we establish a concentration gradient for K+ by adding 100 mM KCl to compartment A, and 10 mM KCl + 90 mM NaCl to compartment B?
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When a concentration gradient for K⁺ is established by adding 100 mM KCl to compartment A and 10 mM KCl + 90 mM NaCl to compartment B, potassium ions (K⁺) will move from compartment A (higher concentration) to compartment B (lower concentration) due to diffusion. This movement continues until the concentrations of K⁺ are equal in both compartments. The presence of NaCl in compartment B helps to balance the total ion concentration but does not affect the diffusion of K⁺ specifically. It’s important to note that this also relates to the concept of electrochemical gradients, where the movement of K⁺ may influence the membrane potential if the compartments are separated by a selectively permeable membrane.