Te biochemistry that takes place inside cells depends on various elements, such

Question

Te biochemistry that takes place inside cells depends on various elements, such as sodium, potassium and calcum that are dissolved in water ions. These ions enter cells through narrow pores in the cell membrane known as ion channels. Each ion channel, whcih is formed from a specialized protein molecule, is selective for one type of ion. Measurements with microelectrodes have shown that a 0.30 nm-diameter potassium ion (K+) channel carries a current of 1.8 pA. How many potssiums ions pass through if the ion channel opens for 1.0ms?

Explanation / Answer

charge on each ion=1.6*10^(-19) C

as we know, current=charge/time

=>1.8*10^(-12) A=charge/0.001

==>charge passed=1.8*10^(-15) C

so number of ions=total charge/charge on each ion

=1.125*10^4

hence total 1.125*10^4 ions have passed through the channel

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