Action potentials and membranes Flashcards
What is influx?
The movement of ions into the cell
What is efflux?
The movement of ions out of the cell
What drives the passive movement of ions across the cell membrane?
The electrochemical gradient, which combines concentration and electrical gradients
Which side of the cell membrane contains a higher concentration of Na+?
The outside of the cell
which side of the cell membrane contains a higher concentration of K+?
The inside of the cell
What are some examples of common membrane lipids?
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylinositol
Phosphatidylcholine
Sphingomyelin
Galactocerebroside
What are the 2 broad classes of membrane proteins?
Peripheral proteins
Integral proteins
What are peripherally associated membrane proteins?
Proteins that are not embedded in the cell membrane but are usually associated with the cytoplasmic or extracellular surfaces of the membrane
What is the role of membrane bound carbonic anhydrase?
It plays a role in the reabsorption of bicarbonate in the kidneys
What is the collective name for the layer of glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cells surface?
The glycocalyx
What is cystinuria?
A genetic disorders which prevents the reabsorption of cysteine (Amino acid) into the blood, so it crystallises and build up in the kidneys
What is meant by an isotonic solution?
A solution that has an equal water potential to the cells in it
What is meant by a hypotonic solution?
A solution that has a greater water potential to the cells in it - movement of water into the cells
What is meant by a hypertonic solution?
A solution that has a lower water potential to the cells in it - movement of water out of the cells
What is the modified Fick’s equation for calculating the net rate of diffusion?
Q = ∆C x A x P
Q = Net rate of diffusion
∆C = Concentration gradient
A = Surface area of membrane
P = Membrane permeability
What is the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation for calculating membrane potential?
. ( Pk [K]out x Pna [Na]out)
.Em = 61 x Log10 (————————————)
. (Pk [K]in x Pna [Na]in )
How is permeability linked to equilibrium potential?
The greater the permeability for a given ion, the greater the tendency for that ion to drive the membrane potential towards the ion’s own equilibrium potential
What is the simplified Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential of a monovalent ion at 37ºC?
. [ion]outside
Ion = 61 x Log10 (——————–)
[ion]inside
What is the relative membrane permeability for Na+?
1
What is the relative membrane permeability for K+ for a skeletal muscle cell?
100
How is an electrical gradient set up in a cell?
Excess charges on one side of the cell are attracted to the membrane edge
What are the 2 types of refractory period?
Absolute refractory period - no stimulus can cause AP
Relative refractory period - Greater than usual stimulus can cause AP
What is the name of the start of the axon?
The axon hillock
What are the two types of conduction?
Contiguous conduction
Saltatory conduction
What is the name given to the spaces between the schwann cells or oligodendrocytes?
Nodes of Ranvier
What are some examples of demyelinating disorders?
Multiple sclerosis (CNS)
Guillian-Barré syndrome (PNS)