Question

Describe one ion and one other substance that can be asymmetrically distributed within the body of an animal.

- For each substance Describe the asymmetry (which compartments have higher/lower amounts)

- Describe how the asymmetry develops (how amounts in different compartments become different)

- Describe how the asymmetric distribution is important for a specific process in the animal

Answer 1

K⁺ (Potassium ion ) and Glucose are asymmetrically distributed within the body of an animal.

Inside the cell there is high concentration of Potassium where as outside the cell, there is lower concentration of Potassium ion.

Inside the cell glucose concentration is low whereas in outside glucose concentration is high.

There is sodium potassium transporter which is driven by ATP (active transport) and it helps to move potassium ion inside the cell whereas at the same tie transports sodium ion outside the cell.

Glucose is transported by transmembrane glucose transporter and it is also active transport , requires energy from ATP. Sice glucose is polar molecule it cannot pass through the plasma membrane by simple diffusion. It requires either active transporter or membrane channel (facilitated diffusion) to enter into the cell. Glucose is phophorylated as it enters the cell and glucose 6-phosphate being a charged molecule, cannot leave the cell.

Potassium ion is responsible for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. It also has significant role in heart and muscle contraction. Glucose is required for various metabolic activities in the cell, so it must be transported from blood into the cell for enrgy production and all the metabolic pathways in the body.