Equilibrium, Resting Membrane, and Action Potentials Flashcards
what is RMP?
the potential difference that exists across membranes in the period between action potentials
how are RMPs established?
by diffusion potentials
what are diffusion potentials?
- defined as the potential difference generated across a membrane WHEN A CHARGED ION DIFFUSES DOWN CONC. GRADIENT (K+ increases inside)
- can be positive or negative, depending on charge of ion
- set by K+ leak and channels and maintained by Na+/K+ ATPase pump
- K+ leaks out of cell and carries + charge -> inside of cell is (-) -> cation Na wants to rush into cell
what ions contribute most to RMP?
- ions with high permeabilities
- K+, Cl-
- K+ separated from immobile anions inside cell
normal RMP range?
usually -70 to -90 mV
Na+/K+ ATPase
- helps to maintain K+ concentration gradient across the membrane
- helps to set K+ diffusion potential
why is RMP always close to K equilibrium potential?
RMP is negative because there are more Na ions outside cell than K ions inside cell (membrane more permeable to K+ than Na+)
K equilibrium potential=
-85 to -90 mV
K+ is in equilibrium when…
cell is 85-90 mV lower than EC environment
K+ equilibrium potential is point at which…
movement of K+ INTO cell because of negative electrical potential is balanced by diffusion of K+ OUT of cell due to concentration gradient
at K+ equilibrium…
electrical and diffusion forces are equal and opposite
driving force=
difference between the measured membrane potential and the ion’s calculated equilibrium potential
when driving force is negative…
- ion will enter cell if it is a cation and leave cell if it is an anion
- membrane potential is too negative- try to bring it towards equilibrium potential
Action Potentials (AP)
- transmit information in nervous systems and all muscles
- occurs in EXCITABLE cells- rapid depolarization followed by depolarization
depolarization=
membrane potential LESS negative
hyperpolarization=
membrane potential MORE negative; harder to get new AP when in this state
inward current=
Na+, flow of positive charge into cell (must occur for AP)