Which one of potassium or sodium affect resting membrane potential more and why?

Question

Which one of potassium or sodium affect resting membrane potential more and why?
Then which is greater? The electrochemical gradient driving sodium into the cell or the electrochemical gradient driving potassium out of the cell? Which one of potassium or sodium affect resting membrane potential more and why?
Then which is greater? The electrochemical gradient driving sodium into the cell or the electrochemical gradient driving potassium out of the cell?
Then which is greater? The electrochemical gradient driving sodium into the cell or the electrochemical gradient driving potassium out of the cell?

Explanation / Answer

Resting membrane potential is contrast to the action membrane potential in that it is static and generally belong to quiescent cells. Potassium is highly permeable and hence have strong chemical gradient. Flow of K+ from cytosol to the extracellular space builds a –ve charge in the inner side of the membrane. Here Na+/K+ pumps facilitates 2 K+ from inside for 3 Na+ outside by using the energy of 1 ATP. K= has the most negative equilibrium potential. Equilibrium potential is only used to determine the resting potential. Hence electrochemical gradient of K+ drives higher charge when K+ moves out that when a Na+ moves in. but the moving out of K+ and in of Na+ develops a push and pull of electrochemical gradient on the membrane.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse W
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.