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Resting Membrane Potential
The resting membrane potential is the stable, negative electrical charge inside a neuron relative to the outside when it is not actively signaling, typically around -65 mV. This potential is established by an unequal distribution of ions across the cell membrane. At rest, sodium (Na+) ions are more concentrated in the extracellular fluid, while potassium (K+) ions and large negatively charged proteins (anions) are more concentrated in the cytoplasm. This separation of charges causes ions to accumulate near the membrane, attracted to the opposite charges on the other side. The potential is actively maintained by the sodium-potassium pump, which expels three Na+ ions for every two K+ ions it brings in, contributing to the net negative charge inside the neuron.
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Nernst Equation
Measuring Membrane Potential
Microelectrode
Goldman Equation
Sodium-Potassium Pump
Pressures on Ions During Resting Potential
Imagine a neuron is exposed to a substance that specifically blocks the protein pump responsible for moving three sodium ions out of the cell for every two potassium ions it moves in. Assuming ion channels still allow for some passive leakage, what would be the most likely consequence for the neuron's resting membrane potential over time?
Imagine a neuron is exposed to a substance that specifically blocks the protein pump responsible for moving three sodium ions out of the cell for every two potassium ions it moves in. Assuming ion channels still allow for some passive leakage, what would be the most likely consequence for the neuron's resting membrane potential over time?