MadSci Network: Biochemistry |
What is the electrolyte in a potato?
Living tissue (or formerly living tissue) is full of ions; see this previous answer. In most batteries, and especially in liquids or very wet, porous solids (like potatoes), the ions are what conducts the electricity; see this previous answer. As to the specific electrolytes in a potato, there are certain to be sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl-) ions present. There are lots of more complex ions also present in living tissue--you may want to consult a biochemistry textbook--but since they can't move as fast as the smaller sodium, potassium and chloride ions, they probably aren't directly involved in conducting electricity.
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