Question

When K+ leak channels are open, K+ ions tend to move out of the cell, leaving ""excess"" negative charge behind on the inside of the membrane. If the system was allowed to reach an equilibrium, which of these would be more likely?

A. K+ ions would continue to leak out until the K+ concentrations were equal on the inside and outside
B. K+ ions would continue to leak out until the membrane potential reached a value that results in an inward flow equal to the outward flow

Answer 1

When K+ leak channels are open, K+ ions tend to move out of the cell. At equilibrium, K+ ions would continue to leak out until the membrane potential reaches a value that results in an inward flow equal to the outward flow.

Step-by-step explanation:

When K+ leak channels are open, K+ ions tend to move out of the cell, leaving excess negative charge behind on the inside of the membrane. If the system was allowed to reach an equilibrium, K+ ions would continue to leak out until the membrane potential reached a value that results in an inward flow equal to the outward flow.

This is because the movement of K+ ions out of the cell creates a positive charge on the outside and a negative charge on the inside, which generates a membrane potential. The equilibrium is reached when the membrane potential counterbalances the concentration gradient, resulting in an equal movement of K+ ions inward and outward.