Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of pumping two potassium ions into the cell and kicking out three sodium ions?
What is the typical charge of the molecules or atoms that potassium ions associate with in the cell?
What is the function of the specific channels in the cell membrane?
What happens to the potassium ions when they leak out of the cell through the specific channels?
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What is the net charge of the potassium ions and their associated anions in the cell?
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What is the overall direction of potassium movement in a cell?
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What is the purpose of maintaining a high concentration of potassium ions inside the cell?
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What is the effect of the potassium ions leaking out of the cell on the concentration gradient?
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What is left behind when potassium moves out of a cell?
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What is the characteristic of the anions that associate with potassium ions in the cell?
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What is the term for the negative charge that is generated when potassium moves out of a cell?
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What are the two forces that act on potassium ions in a cell?
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What happens to the potassium ions when they move outside the cell?
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What is the point at which the net movement of potassium is zero?
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What is the value of the equilibrium potential for potassium in millivolts?
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What is the assumption made in the explanation of potassium movement?
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What is the shape of the curve of potassium movement over time?
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What is the relationship between the concentration gradient and membrane potential?
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What is the primary reason why the concentration of potassium ions is not considered to be significantly changed?
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What is the result of potassium ions moving out of the cell?
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What is the significance of the number 6.02 times 10 to the 23rd?
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What is the purpose of multiplying 6.02 times 10 to the 23rd by 5?
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How many potassium ions are required to create a negative charge?
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What happens to the concentration of potassium ions inside the cell if some ions move out?
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Study Notes
Creation of Concentration Gradient
- A concentration gradient of 5 millimoles per liter of potassium is created by pumping in 2 potassium ions and kicking out 3 sodium ions.
Ion Distribution and Anions
- Potassium ions find anions (negatively charged molecules or atoms) to sit next to, resulting in a neutral net charge.
- Anions can be proteins, chloride, phosphate, or other molecules with a negative side chain.
- Potassium ions are not alone in the cell, but accompanied by anions.
Ion Channels and Leakage
- There are little gaps in the cell membrane, allowing potassium ions to leak out through specific channels.
- These channels only allow potassium ions to pass through, not anions or other molecules.
Concentration Gradient and Membrane Potential
- The concentration gradient drives potassium ions out of the cell.
- The movement of potassium ions out of the cell leaves behind anions, generating a negative charge.
- The negative charge creates a membrane potential that attracts potassium ions back into the cell.
- The concentration gradient and membrane potential are opposing forces.
Equilibrium Potential
- The concentration gradient and membrane potential eventually reach equilibrium, where the net movement of potassium ions is zero.
- At this point, the membrane potential is approximately -92 millivolts for potassium ions.
- The equilibrium potential depends on the specific ion and the cell's permeability.
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Description
Learn about the energy-dependent process of establishing a concentration gradient in cells, particularly the exchange of potassium and sodium ions. Understand how this gradient is maintained and its significance in cellular functions.