Chapter 3, Problem 4TAHL

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

Whether membrane potential becomes more negative or more positive if the membrane were more permeable to sodium ion than potassium ion in comparison to resting potential.

Introduction:

An unequal distribution of ion within and beyond the cell and the distinct permeability of the membrane to distinct ion kinds determine the resting membranes capacity. The level of potassium ions is higher within the cell. In contrast, the level of sodium ions outside the cell is greater. Therefore, there are stable concentration gradients across the membrane for all of the most abundant ion kinds.