Homework Help is Here – Start Your Trial Now!
Science
Anatomy and Physiology
The neuron resting potential diagram is confusing to me. For the supposed sodium potassium channel in purple, how come the sodium ions are going outside of the cell instead of inside? How is it that there is a higher potassium concentration inside of the cell at this time if there are more leaky potassium channels (which should be pumping the potassium ions outside)?

The neuron resting potential diagram is confusing to me. For the supposed sodium potassium channel in purple, how come the sodium ions are going outside of the cell instead of inside? How is it that there is a higher potassium concentration inside of the cell at this time if there are more leaky potassium channels (which should be pumping the potassium ions outside)?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
See similar textbooks
icon
Related questions
Question

The neuron resting potential diagram is confusing to me. For the supposed sodium potassium channel in purple, how come the sodium ions are going outside of the cell instead of inside? How is it that there is a higher potassium concentration inside of the cell at this time if there are more leaky potassium channels (which should be pumping the potassium ions outside)?

**Understanding Resting Membrane Potential in Neurons** The diagram illustrates the distribution and movement of ions across the axon plasma membrane, demonstrating how a resting potential is achieved in neurons, approximately -70 millivolts (mV). **Key Components:** 1. **K\(^+\) Leak Channel:** - This channel allows potassium ions (K\(^+\)) to move freely across the membrane, contributing to the resting potential. 2. **Na\(^+\)/K\(^+\) Pump:** - Actively transports 3 sodium ions (Na\(^+\)) out of the neuron and 2 potassium ions (K\(^+\)) into the neuron, crucial for maintaining the concentration gradient. 3. **Voltage-Gated Channels:** - Both sodium and potassium voltage-gated channels are shown in a closed state. These channels open in response to changes in membrane potential during action potentials but remain closed at resting potential. 4. **Ion Distribution:** - Inside the axon: High concentration of K\(^+\) (150 mM), lower Na\(^+\) (15 mM), and anionic (A\(^-\)) proteins (100 mM) that are too large to pass through the membrane. - Outside the axon: High concentration of Na\(^+\) (150 mM) and low K\(^+\) (5 mM). 5. **Anions (A\(^-\)):** - Negatively charged proteins, nucleic acids, and other large molecules are trapped inside the neuron, contributing to the negative internal charge. **Graph Explanation:** - The encapsulating environment of the membrane is depicted with a separation of charges; inside is more negative compared to the outside. This difference in charge across the membrane creates the resting membrane potential. The diagram brings into focus the electrochemical gradients essential for neuronal excitability, illustrating how passive ion movement and active transport create a baseline membrane potential crucial for nerve function.
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Resting Membrane Potential in Neurons** The diagram illustrates the distribution and movement of ions across the axon plasma membrane, demonstrating how a resting potential is achieved in neurons, approximately -70 millivolts (mV). **Key Components:** 1. **K\(^+\) Leak Channel:** - This channel allows potassium ions (K\(^+\)) to move freely across the membrane, contributing to the resting potential. 2. **Na\(^+\)/K\(^+\) Pump:** - Actively transports 3 sodium ions (Na\(^+\)) out of the neuron and 2 potassium ions (K\(^+\)) into the neuron, crucial for maintaining the concentration gradient. 3. **Voltage-Gated Channels:** - Both sodium and potassium voltage-gated channels are shown in a closed state. These channels open in response to changes in membrane potential during action potentials but remain closed at resting potential. 4. **Ion Distribution:** - Inside the axon: High concentration of K\(^+\) (150 mM), lower Na\(^+\) (15 mM), and anionic (A\(^-\)) proteins (100 mM) that are too large to pass through the membrane. - Outside the axon: High concentration of Na\(^+\) (150 mM) and low K\(^+\) (5 mM). 5. **Anions (A\(^-\)):** - Negatively charged proteins, nucleic acids, and other large molecules are trapped inside the neuron, contributing to the negative internal charge. **Graph Explanation:** - The encapsulating environment of the membrane is depicted with a separation of charges; inside is more negative compared to the outside. This difference in charge across the membrane creates the resting membrane potential. The diagram brings into focus the electrochemical gradients essential for neuronal excitability, illustrating how passive ion movement and active transport create a baseline membrane potential crucial for nerve function.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

SEE SOLUTIONCheck out a sample Q&A here
Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Anatomy and Physiology
ISBN:
9780134580999
Author:
Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:
PEARSON
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology
ISBN:
9781259398629
Author:
McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:
Mcgraw Hill Education,
Human Anatomy
Human Anatomy
Anatomy and Physiology
ISBN:
9780135168059
Author:
Marieb, Elaine Nicpon, Brady, Patricia, Mallatt, Jon
Publisher:
Pearson Education, Inc.,
Anatomy & Physiology: An Integrative Approach
Anatomy & Physiology: An Integrative Approach
Anatomy and Physiology
ISBN:
9780078024283
Author:
Michael McKinley Dr., Valerie O'Loughlin, Theresa Bidle
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Human Anatomy & Physiology (Marieb, Human Anatomy…
Human Anatomy & Physiology (Marieb, Human Anatomy…
Anatomy and Physiology
ISBN:
9780321927040
Author:
Elaine N. Marieb, Katja Hoehn
Publisher:
PEARSON
SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS