Physiology Lecture 4: Membrane Potentials
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Questions and Answers

Which ion primarily contributes to the negativity of the resting membrane potential (RMP) when moving from inside to outside the cell?

  • Potassium (K+) (correct)
  • Chloride (Cl-)
  • Sodium (Na+)
  • Calcium (Ca+)

What primarily maintains the concentration gradient of ions across the cell membrane?

  • Secondary active transport only
  • Passive diffusion of ions
  • Primary active transport and secondary active transport (correct)
  • Ion channels alone

How does the movement of K+ ions affect the electrostatic charge inside the cell?

  • It becomes more positive as K+ leaves.
  • It becomes less negative due to the influx of Na+.
  • It becomes neutral due to balanced charges.
  • It becomes more negative as K+ leaves, creating an opposing force. (correct)

What role do negatively charged intracellular proteins and organic phosphates play in the resting membrane potential?

<p>They contribute to the overall negativity of the RMP. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the concentration gradient have on ion movement across the membrane?

<p>It drives ions to move from areas of high concentration to low concentration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between permeability and conductance in the context of ion movement?

<p>Conductance measures the movement of charge, while permeability measures the ability of ions to pass through. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to ion movement when the negative electrostatic charge inside the cell balances the concentration gradient force?

<p>Ion movement will cease, resulting in a dynamic equilibrium. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor affecting the value of the equilibrium potential calculated using the Nernst equation?

<p>The external ion concentration (B), The internal ion concentration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which equation is key for calculating the equilibrium potential for a specific ion?

<p>Nernst equation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what temperature does the simplification RT/F become 61.5?

<p>37°C (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system?

<p>Forming the myelin sheath (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'membrane equilibrium potential' refer to?

<p>The point where no net ion movement occurs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ion's equilibrium potential is described as the threshold for opening voltage gated K+ channels?

<p>Potassium (K+) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following provides the main mechanism for maintaining ionic gradients across membranes?

<p>Sodium/potassium pumps (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when chloride ions enter a resting neuron?

<p>It results in hyperpolarization (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which value is not needed when calculating the equilibrium potential using the Nernst equation?

<p>Ionic diffusion rate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of temperature on the Nernst equation simplifications?

<p>Changes in temperature affect RT/F values (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ion is primarily responsible for initiating the depolarization phase of an action potential?

<p>Sodium (Na⁺) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical threshold potential that must be reached for an action potential to be initiated?

<p>-55 mV (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the repolarization phase of an action potential, which ion primarily leaves the neuron?

<p>Potassium (K⁺) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the action potential process?

<p>Action potentials are all-or-nothing events. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT have an influential role on the conduction velocity of an action potential along an axon?

<p>Ion channel density (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Resting Membrane Potential (RMP)

The electrical potential difference across a cell membrane when the cell is at rest.

Concentration Gradient

The movement of ions across the cell membrane is driven by the difference in ion concentration between the inside and outside of the cell.

Ion Channels

Channels in the cell membrane that allow specific types of ions to pass through.

Permeability

The ability of an ion to move across a membrane.

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Electrostatic Gradient

The electrical force that attracts or repels charged particles.

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Equilibrium Potential

The point at which the electrostatic force opposing the movement of an ion down its concentration gradient is equal to the concentration gradient itself.

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Active Transport

A process that uses energy to move ions against their concentration gradient.

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Depolarization Phase

The rapid influx of sodium ions (Na⁺) into the neuron, causing a sudden and dramatic increase in membrane potential from negative to positive.

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Repolarization Phase

The movement of potassium ions (K⁺) out of the neuron, restoring the membrane potential back to its negative resting state.

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Threshold Potential

The specific voltage threshold that must be reached to trigger an action potential. If the threshold is not reached, no action potential is generated.

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Role of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels

Voltage-gated sodium channels open in response to depolarization, allowing sodium ions to flood into the cell and further increase its positive charge.

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Refractory Period

A brief period after an action potential during which the neuron is less sensitive to further stimulation. This is caused by the temporary inactivation of sodium channels and the delayed opening of potassium channels.

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Nernst Equation

A mathematical equation that calculates the equilibrium potential for an ion across a cell membrane. It takes into account the ion's concentration gradient and the membrane permeability.

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Sensory Neurons

Neurons that carry sensory information from the body to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

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Axon

The long, slender projection of a neuron that transmits electrical signals away from the cell body.

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Schwann Cell

A type of glial cell that wraps around axons in the peripheral nervous system, forming a myelin sheath that insulates and speeds up signal transmission.

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Sodium-Potassium Pumps

Active transport mechanisms that maintain the concentration gradients of ions across cell membranes. They use energy to pump ions against their concentration gradients.

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Nernst Potential for Potassium

The equilibrium potential for potassium is the membrane potential at which there is no net movement of potassium ions across the cell membrane.

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Chloride Entry into Resting Neuron

The movement of chloride ions into a neuron makes the membrane potential more negative, moving it further away from the threshold for an action potential.

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Nernst Equation: Unnecessary Value

The permeability of the ion channel is not needed to calculate the equilibrium potential of an ion using the Nernst equation.

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Study Notes

Lecture 4: Membrane Potentials Review

  • Sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) play a crucial role in resting membrane potential (RMP).
  • Intracellular proteins and organic phosphates contribute to the negative charge inside the cell.
  • Understanding RMP generation requires understanding equilibrium potentials, membrane permeability, and ion pumps.

How and Why Ions Move? Gradients

  • The difference in ion concentration (gradient) across the membrane drives ion movement.
  • This gradient is maintained using active transport (primary or secondary).
  • Ion channels (leak channels) facilitate ion movement down their concentration gradient. Potassium (K+) moves from inside the cell to outside.

How and Why Ions Move? Charge

  • Positive and negative ions tend to pair up in solutions.
  • The movement of a cation (e.g., K+) causes a buildup of negative charge inside the cell and positive charge outside.
  • This electrical gradient opposes the concentration gradient of ions.
  • Equilibrium potential is when the electrical and concentration forces are balanced. Calculated using the Nernst equation.

Equilibrium Potential

  • Calculated using the Nernst equation: Vm = RT/zF * ln([ion outside the cell] / [ion inside the cell]).
  • R = gas constant; T = temperature (Kelvin); F = Faraday's constant; Z = ion charge.
  • Simplifies to 61.5 mV at 37°C (normal body temperature) and 58 mV at 18°C (room temperature).

RMP in Different Cells

  • Resting membrane potential (RMP) values vary across different cell types.
  • A table (provided in the images) shows various cell types and their corresponding RMP values.
  • RMP plays a role in various cellular functions, such as circadian rhythm, sensing, contractility, hearing, and volume control.

What kind of Neurons carry signals exclusively towards the brain?

  • Sensory neurons.

The part of the neuron that sends electrical signals over large distances is the:

  • Axon.

Which neuroglia are responsible for forming the myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system?

  • Schwann cells.

Ionic gradients across membranes are maintained by:

  • Sodium/potassium pumps.

The Nernst potential for potassium is:

  • The equilibrium potential for K+.

The entry of chloride ions into resting neuron

  • Will cause a hyperpolarization.

Which of the following values is unnecessary when finding the equilibrium potential of an ion using the Nernst equation?

  • Permeability of the ion channel.

What is the primary ion responsible for the depolarization phase of an action potential?

  • Sodium (Na+).

During the repolarization phase of an action potential, which ion moves out of the neuron?

  • Potassium (K+).

What is the typical threshold potential that must be reached for an action potential to be initiated?

  • -55 mV.

Which of the following statements about action potentials is true?

  • Action potentials are all-or-nothing events.

Which of the following best describes the role of voltage-gated sodium channels during the action potential?

  • They open in response to depolarization and allow sodium ions to enter the cell.

What is the primary reason for the refractory period following an action potential?

  • To prevent backward propagation of the action potential.

Which of the following factors does NOT affect the conduction velocity of an action potential along an axon?

  • Length of the axon.

During the after potential or hyperpolarization phase of an action potential, which of the following occurs?

  • Voltage-gated potassium channels remain open longer than necessary.

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Description

This quiz reviews key concepts of membrane potentials, focusing on the roles of sodium and potassium in generating resting membrane potential. It also explores ion movement driven by concentration and electrical gradients, and the impact of ion channels and pumps on these processes.

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