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?
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?
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?](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F0f1fd340-6178-454b-aea7-37c134c266b7%2F88af6af6-ceb9-4c6d-8cde-51241f396271%2F45u62vb_processed.png&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text: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:
Eion = RT/Zf log [Co]/[Ci]
where Eion 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 [Co],[Ci] 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.
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