What is the result of potassium channels being mostly closed during resting potential?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the physiological implications of potassium channels being mostly closed during the resting potential of a neuron. Specifically, it seeks to understand how this condition affects the electrical properties of the cell.
Answer
Potassium channels help maintain resting potential by limiting K+ ion outflow.
Potassium channels remain mostly closed during resting potential to help maintain the membrane's polarized state. This limits the outward flow of K+ ions, stabilizing the negative charge inside the cell compared to the outside, establishing the resting membrane potential.
Answer for screen readers
Potassium channels remain mostly closed during resting potential to help maintain the membrane's polarized state. This limits the outward flow of K+ ions, stabilizing the negative charge inside the cell compared to the outside, establishing the resting membrane potential.
More Information
While potassium has a major role in setting the resting membrane potential, it is the equilibrium between potassium, sodium, and other ions that ensures the stability. In neurons, the resting potential is typically around -70 mV.
Tips
A common mistake is to think that potassium channels are completely closed during resting potential, while in fact, some movement continues influencing resting potential.
Sources
- The membrane potential - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- Physiology, Action Potential - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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