Final answer:
The Nernst equation predicts the membrane potential resulting from permeability to a single ion and allows us to calculate the equilibrium potential for a single ion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Nernst equation predicts the membrane potential resulting from permeability to a single ion.
The Nernst equation is expressed as:
E = (RT/zF) * ln([ion]out/[ion]in)
Where E is the membrane potential, R is the gas constant, T is the temperature, z is the charge of the ion, F is Faraday's constant, and [ion]out and [ion]in are the concentrations of the ion outside and inside the cell respectively.
This equation allows us to calculate the equilibrium potential for a single ion based on its concentration gradient, temperature, and charge.