6. Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated concentration of K+ in the blood stream. T

Question

6. Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated concentration of K+ in the blood stream. Typical concentrations of K+ are 3.5-5.0 mM, whereas potassium levels >5.0 mM are considered hyperkalemic. The concentration of K+ inside red blood cells is 150 mM, and the red blood cell membrane potential is 60 mV, inside negative relative to outside. Will transporting potassium into the RBCs of a hyperkalemic individual require more or less energy than transport into the RBCs of an individual with normal blood potassium? Justify your answer.

Explanation / Answer

Transporting of potassium into the RBCs of hyperkalemic individual will require less energy than transporting into the RBCs of an individual with normal blood pressure. Because of it case of a hyperkalemic condition the concentration of potassium outside the cell membrane is higher than a normal individual. This increase in the concentration of potassium ion lessens the concentration gradient and hence it requires lesser energy to transport.

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