Browse by Stream
QnA
Home
QnA
Go To Your Study Dashboard

Get Answers to all your Questions

header-bg qa
  • Home
  • NCERT
  • How is it that the intracellular levels of K^+ are higher than extracellular levels in animal cells?

How is it that the intracellular levels of K+   are higher than extracellular levels in animal cells?

Answers (1)

In animal cells, the intracellular potassium ion (K?) levels are higher than the extracellular levels due to the action of the sodium-potassium pump (Na?/K? ATPase). This pump is vital in maintaining ionic concentration gradients necessary for cellular processes. Here’s how it functions:

1. Active Transport:-The sodium-potassium pump uses energy from ATP to move ions against their concentration gradients.

2. Ion Exchange - During each cycle, the pump removes 3 sodium ions (Na?) from the cell, bringing in 2 potassium ions (K?).

3. Selective Membrane Permeability - While the cell membrane allows some passive diffusion of K? out, the pump actively maintains high intracellular K? levels.

4. Electrochemical Gradient Maintenance - This high K? concentration inside the cell is crucial for sustaining the resting membrane potential and facilitating processes like nerve impulse conduction and muscle contractions. This efficient mechanism ensures that K? concentration remains significantly higher inside the cell compared to outside, enabling proper cellular function.

Posted by

infoexpert23

View full answer

Similar Questions

Latest Question