3 - The Resting Cell Membrane

Question 1

Decribe the differences in ionic composition of intra- and extra-cellular fluids

Answer 1

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Question 2

Describe the ionic basis of the resting membrane potential

Answer 2

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Question 3

Explain what is meant by membrane depolarisation or hyperpolarisation and the roles of the major ion-specific channels in the plasma membrane

Answer 3

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Question 4

Outline what a membrane potential is, how the resting potential of a cell may be measured, and the range of values found

Answer 4

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Question 5

Explain the concept of selective permeability, and explain how the selective permeability of cell membranes arises

Answer 5

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Question 6

Describe how the resting potential is set up given the distribution of ions across cell membranes

Answer 6

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Question 7

Explain how the resting potential is set up give the distribition of ions across cell membranes

Answer 7

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Question 8

Explain the term equilibrium potential for an ion, and calculate its value form the ionic concentrations on either side of the membrane

Answer 8

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Question 9

Define depolarisation and hyperpolarisation, and explain the mechanisms that may lead to each of these

Answer 9

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Question 10

Explain how changes in ion channel activity can lead to changes in membrane potential, and outline some of the roles of the membrane potential in signalling within and between cells

Answer 10

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Question 11

Outline how ligand-gated channels can give rise to synaptic potentials

Answer 11

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