Which statement correctly describes the distribution and charge of common electrolytes?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

First, let's restate the question and options to ensure clarity about what's being evaluated.
Question: Which statement correctly describes the distribution and charge of common electrolytes?
Answer options:
- A) Magnesium (Mg²⁺) and potassium (K⁺) are primarily intracellular cations
- B) Potassium (K⁺) is predominantly extracellular and is an anion
- C) Sodium (Na⁺) is an intracellular anion
- D) Sodium (Na⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺) are intracellular cations

Now, evaluate each option one by one with conceptual accuracy in mind.

Option A: Magnesium (Mg²⁺) and potassium (K⁺) are primarily intracellular cations. This aligns with standard physiology: both Mg²⁺ and K⁺ exist in higher concentrations inside cells relative to the extracellular fluid, where they predominantly function as intracellular cations. The charge states are Mg²⁺ (divalent) and K⁺ (monovalent). The overall statement correctly identifies their intracellular localization and their cationic charges.

Option B: Potassium (K⁺) is predominantly extracellular and is an anion. This is inaccurate on two counts: (1) K⁺ is a cation, not an anion, due to its positive charge. (2) It is predominantly intracellular, not extracellular. Therefore, this option misstates both charge and distribution.

Option C: Sodium (Na⁺) is an intracellular anion. This is incorrect because Na⁺ is a cation with a positive charge, and its concentration is higher extracellularly than intracellularly. If anything, Na⁺ is a major extracellular cation, not intracellular, and certainly not an anion.

Option D: Sodium (Na⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺) are intracellular cations. This also contradicts physiological distribution: Na⁺ is mainly extracellular, while Ca²⁺ is present both extracellularly in plasma and intracellularly as a signaling ion, but the statement that Na⁺ is intracellular is false. The overall assertion is incorrect for Na⁺, and Ca²⁺’s distribution is not adequately captured by labeling both as intracellular cations.

In summary, Option A correctly describes both the intracellular predominance and the cationic nature of Mg²⁺ and K⁺, whereas Options B, C, and D contain factual inaccuracies about charge, localization, or both. The reasoning highlights common misconceptions, such as mislabeling ions by their charge state (anion vs cation) and confusing extracellular versus intracellular compartments for key electrolytes.

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Which statement correctly describes the distribution and charge of common electrolytes?

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