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Consider a typical cell with the standard ECF and ICF membrane potential of -75mV. If the K conductance decreases, what will happen to the membrane potential?

1) The membrane potential will become more negative
2) The membrane potential will become more positive
3) The membrane potential will remain the same
4) Cannot be determined

User Geekosaur
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The membrane potential will become more positive because less potassium will exit the cell, reducing the negativity of the membrane potential when K conductance decreases.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the K conductance decreases in a cell with a typical ECF and ICF membrane potential of -75mV, the membrane potential will become more positive. This occurs because with lower potassium conductance, less K+ will leave the cell, leading to an accumulation of positive charges within it, thus reducing the negativity of the membrane potential.

The resting membrane potential, commonly around -70mV, is established by the selective permeability of the cell membrane and the action of the sodium-potassium pump. The movement of K+ out of the cell via leakage channels is one of the factors that contribute to the resting membrane potential. A decrease in K+ conductance implies that these channels become less permeable to potassium ions, thus not as many positive charges exit the cell, causing the membrane potential to move towards a less negative value.

User Paulodiovani
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