An electrochemical gradient refers to the combined difference in both the concentration of ions (the chemical gradient) and the electrical potential (the membrane potential) across a biological membrane. It plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including the generation of action potentials in neurons, muscle contractions, and the transport of molecules across cell membranes.
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An electrochemical gradient combines spatial changes in chemical potential and electric potential for a charged species. Passive transport proceeds downhill in electrochemical potential when an appropriate route is available; a concentration difference alone does not determine the direction for an ion.