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In a very simplistic way of thinking, an acidic solution has more positively charged $\ce{H+}$ ions present, whereas a basic solution has more negatively charged $\ce{OH-}$ ions present.

Can that be simply reconciled with the fact that (1) the intracellular pH of about 6.8 is more acidic than the intercellular pH of about 7.3, and that (2) a typical cellular membrane potential is -40 to -80 mV?

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  • $\begingroup$ Are you talking about mammalian cells? $\endgroup$
    – Bob
    Commented Mar 6, 2017 at 22:19
  • $\begingroup$ @airhuff, I can accept that as a candidate for best answer if you post as an answer and if no one else weighs in $\endgroup$
    – halcyon
    Commented Mar 7, 2017 at 23:35
  • $\begingroup$ @Bob, I was thinking about human cells, so yes, sort of. $\endgroup$
    – halcyon
    Commented Mar 7, 2017 at 23:35

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The key is that $\ce{H+}$ and $\ce{OH−}$ are not the only ions at play here.

The selective permeability of different cellular membranes for different anions (i.e. $\ce{Cl−}$) and cations (i.e. $\ce{K+, Na+, Ca^{2+}, Mg^{2+},}$ etc.) results in charge separation. Cellular membrane potentials are thereby created, with or without an intercellular / intracellular pH gradient.

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