Question Details

Ion carriers are located in

Options

A

Cell wall

B

Plasma membranes

C

Nucleus

D

Cellular space

Correct Answer :

Plasma membranes

Solution :

The correct option is Plasma membranes.

Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Understanding Ion Carriers: Ion carriers (also known as carrier proteins or transporters) are specialized membrane proteins that bind to specific ions and facilitate their transport across biological membranes.
2. The Nature of the Plasma Membrane: The plasma membrane consists of a hydrophobic lipid bilayer that acts as a barrier to the free diffusion of charged polar substances. Because ions like Na+, K+, H+, and Cl- carry a charge, they cannot pass through the lipid bilayer on their own.
3. Function of Membrane-Bound Carriers: To allow these vital ions to move into and out of the cell, ion carrier proteins must be embedded directly within the plasma membrane. By cycling through conformational changes, these carriers selectively transport ions, allowing the cell to regulate its internal pH, maintain osmotic balance, and generate electrochemical gradients.
4. Evaluating the Other Options:
• The cell wall is a rigid, outer protective layer (found in plants, fungi, and bacteria) that is generally porous and fully permeable; it does not contain active ion carrier proteins.
• The nucleus is an internal organelle that contains genetic material and is surrounded by a nuclear envelope with nuclear pores, rather than being the primary site for general cellular ion transport.
• The cellular space refers to the fluid compartments (like the cytoplasm or extracellular fluid) where ions are dissolved, but the carrier proteins themselves must be physically anchored within a membrane to function.

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