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What role do membrane proteins play in passive transport?
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They act as channels that facilitate the diffusion of ions.
In what way do neurons utilize ion movement to send signals to the brain?
Neurons use controlled ion movement to create electrical signals that can be transmitted to the brain.
Why is the sodium-potassium pump essential for maintaining ion balance in cells?
It helps maintain the necessary concentration gradients by moving sodium and potassium ions in opposite directions.
What distinguishes passive transport from active transport?
Passive transport does not require energy and moves ions from high to low concentration, while active transport requires energy and moves ions from low to high concentration.
Explain the concept of concentration gradient in the context of ion transport.
A concentration gradient refers to the difference in ion concentration across a membrane, which dictates the direction of ion movement in passive transport.
How does the nervous system utilize the principles of ion movement across membranes?
The nervous system uses controlled ion movement to enable neurons to send signals by establishing electrical potentials across membranes.
What is the function of the sodium-potassium pump?
It moves sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell.
How do ion channels and pumps work together in cell membranes?
Channels allow rapid ion movement while pumps restore ions to their original positions after movement.
Why does active transport require energy?
Because it moves ions against the concentration gradient, from low to high concentration.
How does the movement of ions across cell membranes relate to neuron function?
It explains how neurons generate and send signals by controlling ion movement.
How do sodium ions move through sodium channels during passive transport?
Sodium ions move from a high concentration outside the cell to a lower concentration inside the cell.
In passive transport, how do ions move in relation to their concentration gradient?
Ions move from high concentration to low concentration.
What are the two main mechanisms for ion movement across cell membranes?
Passive transport and active transport.
What is the energy source for active transport mechanisms?
ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
How do potassium ions move through the membrane in passive transport?
Potassium ions move from inside the cell to higher concentration areas outside the cell.
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