4.2 Changing Membrane Potential Flashcards
Define depolarisation.
- Membrane potential becomes LESS NEGATIVE
2. E.g. -70mV => -50mV
Define hyperpolarisation.
- Membrane potential becomes MORE NEGATIVE
2. E.g. -70mV => -90mV
What are changes in membrane potential caused by?
Changes in activity of ion channels
What does increasing the membrane permeability to a particular ion do to the membrane potential?
Moves it toward the equilibrium potential for that ion
What does opening Na+ or Ca2+ channels do?
The ions rush in causing membrane potential to become less negative so DEPOLARISATION
What does opening K+ channels do?
K+ move out, membrane potential becomes more negative, HYPERPOLARISATION
What does opening Cl- channels do?
Cl- move into cell, membrane potential becomes more negative, HYPERPOLARISATION
What is conductance? Where is it useful?
Contribution of each ion to the membrane potential depends on how permeable the membrane is to that ion.
As real cell membranes have imperfect selectivity (channels open for >1 type of ion)
Give an example of a channel that is less selective than ones for Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+ only.
- Neuromuscular junction - neurone releases ACh
- 2 bind to Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors on muscle membrane (these have an intrinsic ion channel!)
- Channel lets Na+, Ca2+ in and K+ out
- Results in depolarisation and moving membrane potential towards 0 (an intermediate between ENa and Ek)
What are channels that can open and close called? Give three types.
Gated
- Ligand gated (ligand binds cause open/close)
- Voltage gated (changes in MP cause it to open/close)
- Mechanical gated (membrane deformation cause open/close)
Give example of mechanical gated channel.
Hair cells in inner ear
What channels are involved in fast synaptic transmission?
Ion channels
Transmitter binding causes the channel to open
What is an excitatory post synaptic potential (EPSP)?
Excitatory transmitter
Open ligand gated channels
Na+, Ca2+
Cause membrane DEPOLARISATION
The change in MP is called an EPSP
What are the characteristics of an EPSP?
Excitatory post synaptic potential
- Longer time course than an AP
- Graded with amount of NT
- E.g. Acetylcholine, glutamate, dopamine
What is an inhibitory post synaptic potential (IPSP)?
Inhibitory transmitter Open ligand gated channels K+, Cli- Cause membrane HYPERPOLARISATION E.g. Glycine, gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)
The change in MP is called an IPSP