The Resting Membrane Potential and Action Potential

Question 1

What is the resting membrane potential?

Answer 1

-70mV

Question 2

What does high and low conductance mean?

Answer 2

High = lots of ion channels open therefore ions can pass through
Low = only some ions channels are open so only some ions pas through

Question 3

What are the 4 stages of an action potential?

Answer 3

Rest
Depolarising
Repolarising
Hyperpolarising

Question 4

What are some properties of an action potential?

Answer 4

Triggered by depolarisation
Threshold of depolarisation required
All or nothing principle
At peak the Vm approaches Ena
Refractory period

Question 5

What happens when a cell becomes permeable ?

Answer 5

If cell becomes permeable to an ion then that ion will move down it’s electrochemical gradient and will drive Vm towards equilibrium potential