Question

24. An investigator examines voltages resulting from changes in membrane permeabilities. If the cell membrane suddenly had 100 potassium channels per square micron open and the number of leak channels were about 1 per square micron, they would drive the cell to what voltage value

Answer 1

Generally, K+ ions ensures re-polarization of the membrane potential. It always ensures that the neuron returns its resting state, protecting the neurons and ensuring episode of rest before the next action potential.

K+ does this by leaving the axon, making the inner layer more negative. This is resting membrane potential. Because there are many K+ channels for leakages out of the neuronal axons.

Therefore, in this scenario, he neuron will return to its resting membrane potential state which between values -50 to -75mV.

Therefore the value of the potential will be -60mV, or within the range of -50 to -60mV. This is because the neuron is is non- excitable.

Step-by-step explanation: