Chapter 3, Problem 2TAHL

Assume that a membrane permeable to ${\text{Na}}^{\text{+}}$ but not to ${\text{Cl}}^{\text{-}}$ separates two solutions. The concentration of sodium chloride on side 1 is higher than on side 2. Which of the following ionic movements would occur?

a. ${\text{Na}}^{\text{+}}$ would move until its concentration gradient is dissipated (until the concentration of ${\text{Na}}^{\text{+}}$ on side 2 is the same as the concentration of ${\text{Na}}^{\text{+}}$ on side 1).

b. ${\text{Cl}}^{\text{-}}$ would move down its concentration gradient from side 1 to side 2.

c. A membrane potential, negative on side 1, would develop.

d. A membrane potential, positive on side 1, would develop.

e. None of the preceding is correct.