HOW NITRATE IONS MOVE INSIDE THE CELL Negative ions; example nitrate ions (NO3-) enter the

plant cell by a Co-transport mechanism i.e. nitrate ions (NO3-) are coupled with hydrogen ions (H+). This is so because the inside of a plant is always more negative than the outside of a plant cell- hence it is more natural for the nitrate ions (NO3-) to move out of the plant cell. However, the nitrate ions move into the cell against the electrochemical gradient. Because nitrate ions move against an electrochemical gradient ENERGY IS REQUIRED. The coupling of nitrate ions with hydrogen ions pulls nitrate ions into/inside the plant cell against the electrochemical gradient. This is so because hydrogen ions are a source of energy and both the ions move inside the cell via a CARRIER PROTEIN.

HOW IS THE OUTSIDE OF THE CELL ALWAYS POSTIVE AND THE INSIDE ALWAYS NEGATIVE? This is so because hydrogen ions are continuously being pumped outside the cell to create an electropositive region, the buildup of hydrogen ions makes the outside of the cell more positive. The inside of a cell is naturally more negative, hence, positive hydrogen ions will want to remain inside the cell..but instead hydrogen ions are pumped outside the cell...WHY???? Because of A PROTON PUMP! This forces hydrogen ions to move outside the cell against the electrochemical gradient. This proton pump uses energy, energy is obtained from ATP (frm the mitochondria) to pump hydrogen ions out (active transport- low concn to a high concn requiring energy ; opposite of diffusion)

The maintenance of a positive outer cell and a negative inner cell allows the continuous exchange of ions.