fundamentals of membrane potential

Question 1

explain diffusion

Answer 1

• dissolved ions distribute evenly
• ions flow down concentration gradient when:
  > channels are permeable to specific ions
  > conc grad across the membrane is high
• unequal movement of ions will cause an alteration in te distribution of charges across the membrane

Question 2

what are the concentrations of potassium in a typical potassium neuron

Answer 2

ex = 5mM, int = 100mM
RMP = -70mV