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

Question

The biochemistry that takes place inside cells depends on various elements, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, that are dissolved in water as ions. These ions enter cells through narrow pores in the cell membrane known as ion channels. Each ion channel, which 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 1.8pA. How many potassium ions pass through if the ion channel opens for 1.0ms? (Number of atoms)

Explanation / Answer

Current density J = I /A = 4 x I / d2                                        =4 x 1.8 x 10-12 /3.142 x 0.09 x 10-18 amount of charge is given by the equation Q = ne Let 'n' number of ions passing through ion channel then I x t = n x e number of ions passed through channel is given by  ; n = I x t /e given ; I = 1.8 pA = 1.8 x 10-12A time for which the channel remains open is , t = 1ms charge of the ion, e = +1.6 x10-19C plug thses values in the above given formula for n and get thenumber of ions passed through the channel

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