Explain how the equilibrium potential for potassium is generated
What will be an ideal response?
The membrane is permeable to K+ so K+ diffuses out of the cell down its concentration gradient. As K+ leaves the cell, the inside becomes more negative.?At the same time, the negative charges associated with the large intracellular proteins (A-) are left behind because they are too large to diffuse out of the cell.?The concentration gradient moving K+ out of the cell opposes the electrical gradient tending to move the ion into the cell.?The processes continue until the two opposing forces exactly balanced each other.?The potential that would exist at this point is known as the equilibrium potential for K+. Under normal conditions, this potential would be -90mV.
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Indicate whether the statement is true or false
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