Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of electrically excitable cells?
What is the primary characteristic of electrically excitable cells?
- High resistance to ion flow across the membrane
- Inability to change membrane potential
- Ability to store large amounts of energy
- Capability to generate and propagate electrical signals (correct)
The electrostatic attraction repels potassium ions into the cell.
The electrostatic attraction repels potassium ions into the cell.
False (B)
What term describes the state when the net movement of potassium ions across the cell membrane is zero?
What term describes the state when the net movement of potassium ions across the cell membrane is zero?
Equilibrium potential for potassium
The equilibrium potential for potassium is a key factor in establishing the ______ membrane potential.
The equilibrium potential for potassium is a key factor in establishing the ______ membrane potential.
Which force tends to pull potassium ions into the cell?
Which force tends to pull potassium ions into the cell?
The equilibrium potential for potassium is typically around +70 to +90 millivolts in most excitable cells.
The equilibrium potential for potassium is typically around +70 to +90 millivolts in most excitable cells.
What happens when the electrical potential across the cell membrane reaches the equilibrium potential for potassium (Ek)?
What happens when the electrical potential across the cell membrane reaches the equilibrium potential for potassium (Ek)?
What kind of charge do potassium ions carry?
What kind of charge do potassium ions carry?
Which of the following factors plays a crucial role in determining the equilibrium potential?
Which of the following factors plays a crucial role in determining the equilibrium potential?
Electrical excitability is a property that allows cells to generate and propagate electrical signals called action potentials or ______ impulses.
Electrical excitability is a property that allows cells to generate and propagate electrical signals called action potentials or ______ impulses.
Flashcards
Electrical Excitability
Electrical Excitability
The ability of neurons and muscle cells to produce and transmit electrical signals.
Concentration Gradient
Concentration Gradient
The difference in ion concentrations inside and outside the cell, crucial for establishing the equilibrium potential.
Potassium Equilibrium Potential (Ek)
Potassium Equilibrium Potential (Ek)
The electrical potential at which there is no net movement of potassium ions across the cell membrane.
Potassium Ions (K+)
Potassium Ions (K+)
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Value of Potassium Equilibrium Potential (Ek)
Value of Potassium Equilibrium Potential (Ek)
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Study Notes
- Electrical excitability enables cells, especially neurons and muscle cells, to produce and transmit electrical signals or nerve impulses.
- Ion movement across the cell membrane and changes in membrane potential closely relate to this property.
Potassium Ions
- The potassium concentration gradient, the ratio of potassium ion concentrations inside and outside the cell, determines the equilibrium potential.
- Potassium ions have a positive charge and are drawn to the cell's negatively charged interior.
- Electrostatic attraction pulls potassium ions into the cell.
- When the electrical potential across the cell membrane reaches the equilibrium potential for potassium (Ek), there is no net movement of potassium ions across the membrane.
- The electrical force pulling potassium ions into the cell balances the concentration gradient force pushing them out.
- The cell membrane is at the potassium equilibrium potential when there is no net movement of potassium ions.
- In most excitable cells, the equilibrium potential for potassium is typically around -70 to -90 millivolts.
- The equilibrium potential for potassium (Ek) is a key factor in establishing the resting membrane potential.
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