In diffusion, the K+ ion tends to move from

In diffusion, the K+ ion tends to move from

• A. Inside to outside
• B. Outside to inside
• C. Equally in both directions
• D. Only during depolarization

Answer: (A)

Diffusion is movement down a concentration gradient, from higher to lower concentration. Potassium is much more concentrated inside the cell than outside, so it tends to diffuse outward through leak channels. This outward flow helps establish the resting membrane potential and reflects that diffusion is driven by the intracellular-to-extracellular gradient. Diffusion is not limited to depolarization; it occurs continually as ions move along their gradients.

Diffusion is movement down a concentration gradient, from higher to lower concentration. Potassium is much more concentrated inside the cell than outside, so it tends to diffuse outward through leak channels. This outward flow helps establish the resting membrane potential and reflects that diffusion is driven by the intracellular-to-extracellular gradient. Diffusion is not limited to depolarization; it occurs continually as ions move along their gradients.