Resting and action potentials Flashcards
Why do ions migrate at different rates?
According to the size of their hydrated molecules
How are migration rate of ions measured?
Under standard conditions
How are migration rates expressed?
In terms of the mobility of an ion
What is another way of saying mobility potentials?
Diffusion potentials
What does the magnitude of diffusion potentials depend on?
Ion salts
What is the difference in diffusion potentials with KCl and NaCl?
KCl- barrier removal will cause a slight change in potentials, lasting until all ions are dispersed evenly
NaCl- barrier remval will cause a much larger potential
Why does NaCl cause a larger potential than KCl?
As there is a bigger difference in mobility’s of Na and Cl ions
What is a semi-permeable membrane?
A membrane that is selectively permeable to some ions, but impermeable to others
What is the mobility of an impermeant ion?
Zero
In an electrical membrane potential what direction and charge is on the K ions?
Down their concentration gradient
Carry positive charge
In an electrical membrane potential what direction and charge is on the Cl ions?
They do not move as they are impermeant
What does the electrical membrane potential of K and Cl result in?
Positive charge build up in the right compartment
What then steps in?
Electrical gradient which opposes the movement of K ions
What is the result when there is no further net movement of K ions?
Electrical gradient equals the concentration
The system is in equilibrium
What does Em stand for?
Electrical membrane potential
Does the Em remain after the system is back in equilibrium?
Remains indefinitely since the unequal distribution of ions remain indefinitely
What are the major impermeant anions in cells?
Proteins carrying net negative charge, including neurons
What is the resting membrane potential inside the cell?
-73mV