Question

How is the intracellular levels of ions maintained higher than extracellular levels in animal cells?

Answer 1

Animal cells have ATP-powered pumps like the Na+ – K+ pump where 3Na+ is sent out in exchange of 2 K+ ions thus increasing the level of K+ ions in the intracellular region. This is how via the pumps, ion concentration is maintained higher intracellularly than in the extracellular region.