Action Potentials Flashcards
what is the resting membrane potential
about -70mV
the ICF or the ECF more negative?
ICF
which ion is most abundant in the ECF?
Na
which ion is most abundant in the ICF?
K
which ion can move through the membrane more?
K
how is the resting membrane potential brought about?
potassium diffuses OUT of the cell which leaves an excess of -ve charges inside the cell. The potential gradient that arises from this is the resting membrane potential
what does the sodium potassium pump do?
move 3Na out and 2K in
does the sodium potassium pump require energy?
yes as it moves the ions from a low to high concentration
what is the threshold voltage during the AP?
-55mV
what is the rising phase during the action potential due to?
Na+ influx through voltage gated Na channels
what is the falling phase during the action potential due to?
K+ efflux through voltage gated K channels
what type of protein is an ion channel?
transmembrane protein
how many gates does the sodium channel have?
2 - H and M
what is the action of the sodium gates?
the channel opens when the M gate opens as H gate is already open. The channel closes when the H gate closes (refractory period)
at resting membrane potential what is the state of the Na gate?
H gate open, M gate closed
at the threshold until hyperpolarisation what is the state of the Na gate?
M gate and H gate open
at the refractory stage what is the state of the Na gate?
M gate open, H gate closed