Activating the Resting Membrane Potential Flashcards
what is the RMP generated by
selective K+ permeability of the membrane
how are ions arranged at the start of activating the RMP
equally across the membrane so there is no charge yet
what do ion pumps set up
a concentration gradient across the membrane
what do ion pumps allow in and out
potassium ions to enter and sodium ions to exit (no charge is achieved)
how does potassium exit
potassium flows out down its concentration gradient through channels that are only permeable to potassium
as potassium flows out what is lost
the positive charge from inside and develop a net negative internal potential
when will ions stop flowing
when the concentration gradient is matched by the electrical gradient
what is the equilibrium potential
when ions stop flowing
how is the equilibrium potential determined
by the Nernst equation
why is the RMP close to the potassium equilibrium potential
lots of open potassium channels at rest
what type of channels do ions flow through
ion channels
what is the direction of flow of ions determined by
their concentration gradient
