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Not much. Changing the extracellular chloride changes the level inside the cell so they will be in equilibrium again. The chloride ion plays little role in resting potential.

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Which anion diffuses easily between extracellular and intracellular compartments?

The anion that diffuses easily between extracellular and intracellular compartments is chloride (Cl⁻). Due to its relatively small size and the presence of specific ion channels, chloride can move freely across cell membranes, contributing to various physiological processes such as maintaining membrane potential and regulating cell volume. Additionally, the balance of chloride ions is essential for neurotransmission and muscle function.


Explain why a change in extracellular sodium did not alter the membrane potential in the resting neuron?

A change in extracellular sodium concentration would not alter the resting membrane potential of a neuron because the resting potential is primarily determined by the relative concentrations of sodium and potassium ions inside and outside the cell, as mediated by the sodium-potassium pump and leak channels. Changes in extracellular sodium concentration would not directly affect this equilibrium.


Why does increasing the extracellular K cause the membrane potential to change?

Increasing extracellular potassium concentration can depolarize the cell membrane potential because potassium ions are leaking out of the cell less efficiently, leading to an accumulation of positive charge outside the cell. This disrupts the normal balance of ions and can make it easier for the cell to depolarize and generate an action potential.


Which would have a greater impact on the resting potential lowering the extracellular Na concentration by 2 mM or lowering extracellular K concentration by 2 mM?

Lowering the extracellular K+ concentration by 2 mM would have a greater impact on the resting potential than lowering the extracellular Na+ concentration by the same amount. This is because the resting potential is primarily determined by the permeability of the membrane to K+, and a decrease in K+ concentration outside the cell would increase the gradient and drive the resting potential more positive. In contrast, changes in Na+ concentration have a lesser effect on resting potential since the membrane is less permeable to Na+ at rest.


How will increasing extracellular potassium affect the signaling capability of a neuron?

Increasing extracellular potassium (K+) reduces the concentration gradient between the inside and outside of the neuron, leading to a less negative resting membrane potential. This depolarization can make it easier for the neuron to reach the threshold for action potentials, potentially increasing excitability. However, if the extracellular K+ concentration becomes too high, it can lead to impaired signaling and decreased neuronal firing due to inactivation of sodium channels. Overall, elevated extracellular K+ can disrupt normal neuronal function and signaling.

Related Questions

What effect did increasing the extracellular potassium have on the resting membrane potential?

Increasing the extracellular potassium concentration can depolarize the resting membrane potential, making it less negative. This can lead to increased excitability of the cell.


Why increasing extracellular potassium causes the membrane potential to change to a less negative value. how well does the results compare with your prediction?

Increasing extracellular potassium (K+) reduces the concentration gradient between the inside and outside of the cell, leading to a decrease in the driving force for potassium to exit the cell. As a result, the membrane potential becomes less negative (depolarizes) because the resting membrane potential is influenced by the relative permeability of the membrane to potassium ions. This outcome aligns with the prediction that an increase in extracellular potassium would diminish the negativity of the membrane potential, confirming the importance of K+ concentration gradients in maintaining resting membrane potential.


What is the significance of the chloride equilibrium potential in determining the membrane potential of a cell?

The chloride equilibrium potential plays a crucial role in determining the overall membrane potential of a cell. It is the point at which the movement of chloride ions across the cell membrane is balanced, influencing the overall electrical charge inside and outside the cell. This equilibrium potential helps regulate the cell's resting membrane potential and can impact various cellular functions and signaling processes.


What is the significance of the cl- equilibrium potential in determining the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

The equilibrium potential for chloride ions (Cl-) plays a significant role in determining the resting membrane potential of a neuron. This is because the movement of chloride ions across the cell membrane can influence the overall balance of ions inside and outside the neuron, which in turn affects the resting membrane potential. If the equilibrium potential for chloride ions is altered, it can lead to changes in the resting membrane potential and impact the neuron's ability to transmit signals effectively.


Which anion diffuses easily between extracellular and intracellular compartments?

The anion that diffuses easily between extracellular and intracellular compartments is chloride (Cl⁻). Due to its relatively small size and the presence of specific ion channels, chloride can move freely across cell membranes, contributing to various physiological processes such as maintaining membrane potential and regulating cell volume. Additionally, the balance of chloride ions is essential for neurotransmission and muscle function.


What is the significance of the equilibrium potential of Cl in determining the membrane potential of a cell?

The equilibrium potential of chloride (Cl) plays a significant role in determining the overall membrane potential of a cell. This is because chloride ions are negatively charged and their movement across the cell membrane can influence the overall charge inside and outside the cell. The equilibrium potential of chloride helps to establish the resting membrane potential of the cell, which is crucial for various cellular functions such as nerve signaling and muscle contraction.


What is the significance of the equilibrium potential for chloride in determining the membrane potential of a neuron?

The equilibrium potential for chloride plays a crucial role in determining the overall membrane potential of a neuron. This is because chloride ions are negatively charged and their movement across the neuron's membrane can influence the overall electrical charge inside and outside the cell. The equilibrium potential for chloride helps maintain the balance of ions inside and outside the neuron, which is essential for proper nerve function and signal transmission.


Explain why a change in extracellular sodium did not alter the membrane potential in the resting neuron?

A change in extracellular sodium concentration would not alter the resting membrane potential of a neuron because the resting potential is primarily determined by the relative concentrations of sodium and potassium ions inside and outside the cell, as mediated by the sodium-potassium pump and leak channels. Changes in extracellular sodium concentration would not directly affect this equilibrium.


Why does increasing the extracellular K cause the membrane potential to change?

Increasing extracellular potassium concentration can depolarize the cell membrane potential because potassium ions are leaking out of the cell less efficiently, leading to an accumulation of positive charge outside the cell. This disrupts the normal balance of ions and can make it easier for the cell to depolarize and generate an action potential.


Which would have a greater impact on the resting potential lowering the extracellular Na concentration by 2 mM or lowering extracellular K concentration by 2 mM?

Lowering the extracellular K+ concentration by 2 mM would have a greater impact on the resting potential than lowering the extracellular Na+ concentration by the same amount. This is because the resting potential is primarily determined by the permeability of the membrane to K+, and a decrease in K+ concentration outside the cell would increase the gradient and drive the resting potential more positive. In contrast, changes in Na+ concentration have a lesser effect on resting potential since the membrane is less permeable to Na+ at rest.


How will increasing extracellular potassium affect the signaling capability of a neuron?

Increasing extracellular potassium (K+) reduces the concentration gradient between the inside and outside of the neuron, leading to a less negative resting membrane potential. This depolarization can make it easier for the neuron to reach the threshold for action potentials, potentially increasing excitability. However, if the extracellular K+ concentration becomes too high, it can lead to impaired signaling and decreased neuronal firing due to inactivation of sodium channels. Overall, elevated extracellular K+ can disrupt normal neuronal function and signaling.


Electrical charge resulting from the difference between positive and negative ions outside and inside the brain cell membrane is called?

This electrical charge is called the resting membrane potential. It is generated by the unequal distribution of ions such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium inside and outside the cell. The resting membrane potential plays a crucial role in cell communication and proper functioning of the nervous system.