The diagram shows the concentration in mmol dm^–3 of two different ions inside a human red blood cell and in the plasma outside the cell.

a. Explain why these concentrations could not have occurred as a result of diffusion.

b. Explain how these concentrations could have been achieved.

c. If respiration of red blood cells is inhibited, the concentrations of potassium ions and sodium ions inside the cells gradually change until they come into equilibrium with the plasma. Explain this observation.

Transcribed Image Text:

ion blood red blood cell plasma Na* 144 15 K* 5 150