Session 4: Resting Membrane Potentials Flashcards
1
Q
What is a membrane potential?
A
The magnitude of an electrical charge that exists across a plasma membrane
2
Q
How is a membrane potential expressed?
A
The potential inside the cell relative to the extracellular solution
3
Q
What are membrane potentials measured in?
A
mV
4
Q
TRUE OR FALSE: all animals have a positive membrane potential at rest
A
False: they are all negative at rest
5
Q
What cells have the smallest resting potential?
A
Erthyrocytes
6
Q
What is the nernst equation used to calculate?
A
The membrane potential at which an ion is at equilibrium (when the electrical and chemical gradients balance)
