Chapter 8, Problem 8.1CC

What is the difference between the concentration gradient and the electrochemical potential? For which of the three types of transport mechanisms is the magnitude of the concentration gradient relevant? For which is the electrochemical gradient important?

Summary Introduction

To explain: The difference between the concentration gradient and the electrochemical potential.

Introduction: Cell is the basic “fundamental unit” of life. Every organism is composed of a cell. Cells perform cellular activities to maintain their normal functioning. One such important cellular activity is transportation. The process of carrying molecules, gases, organic substances and ions from one part to another part of the cell is termed as transportation. Concentration gradient and the electrochemical potential are two important factors affecting the transportation of solutes across the cell membrane.

Explanation of Solution

The difference between the concentration gradient and the electrochemical potential are as follow:

Summary Introduction

To explain: The mechanism out of the three types of transport mechanisms which are relevant to the magnitude of the concentration gradient.

Introduction: The process of carrying molecules, gases, organic substances and ions from one part to another part of the cell is termed as transportation. Concentration gradient and the electrochemical potential are two important factors affecting transportation of solutes across the cell membrane. The concentration gradient is used to determine the molecules with no net charge present on them

Explanation of Solution

There are three mechanisms for transportation. These are: Simple Diffusion, Facilitated Diffusion, and Active Transport

The mechanism out of the three types of transport mechanisms that is relevant to the magnitude of the concentration gradient is simple diffusion. This is because only simple diffusion is the transportation method that does not carry any ion. Whereas, both facilitated diffusion and active transport mechanisms transport ions. The concentration gradient is used to determine the molecules with no net charge present on them.

Therefore, the mechanism which is relevant to the magnitude of the concentration gradient is simple diffusion.

Summary Introduction

To explain: The mechanism out of the three types of transport mechanisms which is important to the electrochemical gradient.

Introduction: The process of carrying molecules, gases, organic substances and ions from one part to another part of the cell is termed as transportation. Concentration gradient and the electrochemical potential are two important factors affecting transportation of solutes across the cell membrane. The concentration gradient is used to determine the molecules with no net charge present on them

Explanation of Solution

There are three mechanisms for transportation. These are simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport.

Active transport is a method of transportation in which the solute is transported against a concentration gradient that is from a region of lower concentration to higher concentration. This type of movement requires extra energy as it is performed against a concentration gradient. The mechanism out of the three types of transport mechanisms that is important to the electrochemical gradient is active transport. This is because it is the only mechanism that has a direct relation with the electrochemical gradient. An electrochemical gradient is an important factor for the cause of indirect active transport.

Therefore, active transport is the mechanism that is important to the electrochemical gradient. The reason is that the electrochemical gradient can cause indirect active transport.