Electrochemical gradient

Electrochemical gradient is a term used in biology and biochemistry to describe a gradient of electrochemical potential, usually for an ion that can move across a biological membrane. The gradient consists of two parts, the chemical gradient, or difference in solute concentration across a membrane, and the electrical gradient, or difference in charge across a membrane. When there are unequal concentrations of an ion across a membrane, the ion will move across the membrane from the area of higher concentration to the area of lower concentration, following the concentration gradient. This process is known as diffusion.

Chemical Gradient

The chemical gradient refers to the change in chemical concentration from one point to another. In biological systems, this can be observed in the concentration of a substance in a fluid such as the concentration of potassium ions inside and outside a cell. This difference in concentration can result in movement of substances from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, a process known as diffusion.

Electrical Gradient

The electrical gradient refers to the difference in electrical charge between two locations. When a gradient exists, ions will move from an area of higher charge to an area of lower charge. This movement is influenced by the size of the charge difference and the permeability of the ions to the membrane.

Role in Cellular Function

Electrochemical gradients play a crucial role in the cell's ability to carry out essential functions. For example, the mitochondria uses the electrochemical gradient of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane to generate ATP, the cell's main source of energy. This process is known as oxidative phosphorylation.

See Also

• Membrane potential
• Active transport
• Passive transport
• Osmosis

References

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