You are recording from a funny-looking cell. You hold the cell at various voltages and record the size of the currents. The results are to the right. In these graphs, each line represents a current at a different given voltage. The top, "control" plot represents the current responses to the various voltages when the extracellular concentration of K+ was 5mM. The bottom plot represents the responses to the same voltages, but the extracellular concentration of K+ is now 20mM. Do these results indicate that this cell is permeable to K+? Justify your answer. (suggestion: 1-2 sentences) 20 mM K

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**Title: Investigating Cell Permeability to Potassium Ions (K⁺)**

**Introduction:**
You are recording from a unique cell. By applying various voltages, you measure and record the corresponding currents. The results are depicted in the graphs to the right. In these graphs, each line represents a current at a different given voltage.

**Graph Analysis:**

1. **Control Plot:**
   - This graph illustrates the current responses at various voltages when the extracellular concentration of K⁺ is 5 mM.
   - The graph shows a series of lines, each representing the current response at different voltages.

2. **20 mM K⁺ Plot:**
   - This graph demonstrates the responses to identical voltages as in the control plot, but now with an extracellular concentration of 20 mM of K⁺.
   - The lines in this plot likely exhibit differences compared to the control plot, indicating changes in current due to the increased K⁺ concentration.

**Question:**
Do these results indicate that this cell is permeable to K⁺? Justify your answer. (Suggestion: 1-2 sentences)
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Investigating Cell Permeability to Potassium Ions (K⁺)** **Introduction:** You are recording from a unique cell. By applying various voltages, you measure and record the corresponding currents. The results are depicted in the graphs to the right. In these graphs, each line represents a current at a different given voltage. **Graph Analysis:** 1. **Control Plot:** - This graph illustrates the current responses at various voltages when the extracellular concentration of K⁺ is 5 mM. - The graph shows a series of lines, each representing the current response at different voltages. 2. **20 mM K⁺ Plot:** - This graph demonstrates the responses to identical voltages as in the control plot, but now with an extracellular concentration of 20 mM of K⁺. - The lines in this plot likely exhibit differences compared to the control plot, indicating changes in current due to the increased K⁺ concentration. **Question:** Do these results indicate that this cell is permeable to K⁺? Justify your answer. (Suggestion: 1-2 sentences)
Expert Solution
Step 1: Introduction:

This experiment investigates the permeability of a cell to K+ ions. By comparing the current responses of the cell to different voltages when the extracellular K+ concentration is varied, the researchers can determine whether K+ ions are able to diffuse across the cell membrane.

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