ionigradientteihin
Ionigradientteihin, commonly referred to as ion gradients, describe spatial differences in the concentration of ions across a boundary such as a cell membrane or a separation column. They arise when diffusion is restricted and active transport maintains an uneven distribution of ions. In biological membranes, gradients are generated by ion pumps, channels, and transporters, and can be accompanied by an electrical potential across the boundary.
The proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane is the best-known example, created by the electron
Measurement and analysis use ion-selective electrodes, fluorescent ion indicators, and electrophysiological methods to infer gradients. In
Maintenance of ion gradients requires energy; disruption occurs when membranes become permeable, channels leak, or pumps