The normal concentrations for intracellular and extracellular potassium in a neuronare [K+]in = 150 mM and [K+]out = 5 mM, respectively. Due to an electrolyteimbalance, a patient has the following intracellular and extracellular concentrationsof potassium: [K+]in = 140 mM and [K+]out =2 mM. Using the Nernst equation(Chapter 4), calculate the equilibrium potential for potassium in the cells withnormal K+ distributions and of the diseased patient.Refer back to Question #1. Will it be easier or more difficult to generate an actionpotential in the diseased neuron as compared to the normal neuron? Why?

Answered: The normal concentrations for…

Biochemistry

9th Edition

ISBN:9781319114671

Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.

Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.

Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1P

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The normal concentrations for intracellular and extracellular potassium in a neuron
are [K+]in = 150 mM and [K+]out = 5 mM, respectively. Due to an electrolyte
imbalance, a patient has the following intracellular and extracellular concentrations
of potassium: [K+]in = 140 mM and [K+]out =2 mM. Using the Nernst equation
(Chapter 4), calculate the equilibrium potential for potassium in the cells with
normal K+ distributions and of the diseased patient.
Refer back to Question #1. Will it be easier or more difficult to generate an action
potential in the diseased neuron as compared to the normal neuron? Why?

Expert Solution

Step 1

Recall that the Nernst equation for calculating reversal potential is:

E_ion = RT/Zf log [C_o]/[C_i]

where E_ion is the reversal potential, R is the gas constant, T is the absolute temperature in Kelvin Z is the valency of the ion and f is Faraday's constant and [C_o],[C_i] is ion concentration outside and inside the cell.

Reversal potential is also knowns as equilibrium potential. Equilibrium potential is the membrane potential required to produce electrochemical equilibrium.