[K+] on the inside of the cell compared with outside is:

[K+] on the inside of the cell compared with outside is:

• A. Higher on the outside, lower on the inside
• B. Higher on inside, lower on outside
• C. Equal on both sides
• D. Absent on the outside

Answer: (B)

Potassium concentration is much higher inside the cell than outside, and the cell actively maintains this gradient. TheNa+/K+ ATPase pumps 3 Na+ out for every 2 K+ in, using energy to keep intracellular K+ high. At rest, K+ leaks out through channels, but the pump constantly resupplies it, so the intracellular environment stays rich in K+ while the outside is comparatively low. This gradient is essential for the resting membrane potential and for K+ to move according to the electrochemical forces. So the correct statement is that potassium is higher on the inside and lower on the outside.

Potassium concentration is much higher inside the cell than outside, and the cell actively maintains this gradient. TheNa+/K+ ATPase pumps 3 Na+ out for every 2 K+ in, using energy to keep intracellular K+ high. At rest, K+ leaks out through channels, but the pump constantly resupplies it, so the intracellular environment stays rich in K+ while the outside is comparatively low. This gradient is essential for the resting membrane potential and for K+ to move according to the electrochemical forces.

So the correct statement is that potassium is higher on the inside and lower on the outside.