Resting Membrane Potential and Goldman Equation Quiz & Flashcards

What is the primary assumption of the Nernst Equation?

What is the main difference between the Goldman Equation and the Nernst Equation?

Why is the extracellular concentration of Cl- in the denominator of the Goldman Equation?

What is the condition required for the net current flow to be zero in the Goldman Equation?

What is the relationship between Ko and Ki in the Goldman Equation?

What is the primary purpose of the Goldman Equation?

Resting Membrane Potential

The Goldman Equation relates membrane potential (V) to the concentration gradient and membrane permeability of K+, Na+, and Cl- ions.
The equation is derived by finding the membrane potential at which the fluxes of positive and negative ions balance, resulting in zero net current flow and equilibrium.
At equilibrium (resting potential), there is continuous movement of ions into or out of the cell, but overall current flow is zero.

Comparison with Nernst Equation

The Nernst Equation considers only one ion at a time, whereas the Goldman Equation considers multiple ions.
The Nernst Equation does not account for differing membrane permeabilities to different ions.
The Nernst Equation assumes ion equilibrium, resulting in no net flow of ions.

Goldman Equation

The equation takes into account the concentration gradients and membrane permeabilities of K+, Na+, and Cl- ions.
In the equation, extracellular concentrations are in the numerator for positive ions (e.g., Ko) and in the denominator for negatively charged ions (e.g., Cl-).
The ionic charge (z) is negative for Cl-, resulting in a log calculation that is equivalent to multiplying by -1.
The ratio [Ko/Ki] is small due to Ko being much smaller than Ki.

Test your understanding of the resting membrane potential, the Goldman Equation, and its relation to ion concentration gradients and membrane permeability. Learn how to derive the equation and understand its significance in neuroscience. Evaluate your knowledge of the concept and its applications.