Which term best describes a chemical substance that separates into ions in solution and helps cells conduct electrical signals necessary for proper function?

• A. Electrolyte
• B. Catalyst
• C. Enzyme
• D. Isotope

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key concept: The problem asks for a term describing a chemical substance that separates into ions in solution and helps conduct electrical signals in cells.
2. Recall that substances that dissociate into ions when dissolved in water are called electrolytes because ions carry electric current through the solution.
3. Recognize that catalysts speed up chemical reactions but do not necessarily dissociate into ions or conduct electricity.
4. Know that enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate biochemical reactions but are not primarily involved in conducting electrical signals via ion dissociation.
5. Isotopes are variants of elements with different numbers of neutrons and do not relate to ion dissociation or electrical conductivity in solution.