10 Questions
What is the primary mechanism by which the membrane spanning ion channels contribute to the resting membrane potential?
By allowing the passage of cations through the channels
What would be the membrane potential if the membrane is only permeable to sodium?
+55mV
What is the net effect of the sodium/potassium pump on the membrane potential?
It makes the inside of the cell more negative
What is the term for the state of the cell when the inside is negatively charged with respect to the outside?
Polarization
What determines the membrane permeability?
The presence of membrane spanning ion channels
What would be the effect of a hyperpolarization on the membrane potential?
The inside of the cell becomes more negative
What is the role of the sodium/potassium pump in establishing and maintaining the unequal distribution of sodium and potassium ions?
It maintains the unequal concentrations of sodium and potassium ions
What is the equation that describes the membrane potential when the membrane is permeable to multiple ions?
Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation
Why does the membrane potential not equal -65mV if the membrane is equally permeable to both sodium and potassium?
Because there is unequal permeability to sodium and potassium
What is the term for the movement of ions down their electrochemical gradient?
Passive transport
Understand how the equilibrium potential of potassium ions is determined in a cell membrane. Learn about the role of transmembrane proteins, concentration gradients, and electrical forces in reaching equilibrium. Test your knowledge of cell membrane physiology!
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