Question

What is the combination of an electrical gradient and a concentration gradient called?

1. Potential gradient
2. Electrical potential
3. Concentration potential
4. Electrochemical gradient

Short answer

(d) Electrochemical gradient is the correct answer because an electrochemical gradient defines as the combination of an electrical gradient and concentration gradient that affects the ions.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Concentration gradient is the differential concentration of substances across a membrane whereas electrical gradient is the difference of charge across the membrane.

Step 2. Explanation

(d) An electrochemical gradient defines as the combination of an electrical gradient and concentration gradient that affects the ions.

(a) The Potential gradient is an incorrect answer because the potential gradient is not the combination of electrical gradient and the concentration gradient whereas the electrochemical gradient is the combination of electrical gradient and the concentration gradient.

(b) Electrical potential is an incorrect answer because electrical potential is the quantity of work that will be needed to move a unit charge from a reference point to a specific point besides an electric field whereas electrochemical gradient is the combination of electrical gradient and the concentration gradient.

(c) Concentration potential is an incorrect answer because concentration potential refers to the tendency for an electrolyte that is univalent to concentrate in a specific region of a particular solution whereas electrochemical gradient is the combination of electrical gradient and the concentration gradient.