How much energy must be expended by a cell to transport 1 mole of sodium ions across a membrane with an electrochemical potential of 62 mV in order to maintain this potential?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy required can be calculated using the formula ΔG = zFΔψ, where ΔG is the change in free energy, z is the charge on the ion (for Na+, z = +1), F is Faraday's constant (approximately 96,485 C/mol), and Δψ is the electrochemical potential difference across the membrane (62 mV or 0.062 V). Thus, ΔG = (1)(96,485 C/mol)(0.062 V) = 5,982 J/mol, which is approximately 6.0 kJ/mol.

How Much Energy Must Be Expended by a Cell to Transport