PSYC 2P35 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Nernst Equation, Amyloid, Dynamic Equilibrium
1 Oct 2015
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Psyc 2p35 lecture 4: membrane potentials: forces and the nerve impulse. The bases of how the neuron accomplishes communication or its action. Refers to the electrical charge of the membrane of the neuron. Neurons are not electrically neutral (tonically active) allows the neuron to respond rapidly. The plasma membrane of a neuron (8nm thick) Protein channels allow specially charged molecules to pass. Embedded in the membrane are protein channels that permit certain ions to cross through the membrane at a controlled rate. One of the problems in sdat (type of alzheimers) = leaky membranes due to amyloid plaques. The membrane of a neuron maintains an electrical gradient (a difference in electrical charge) between the inside and outside of the cell. Sodium na+, potassium k+, chloride cl-, +proteins (a-) Balancing these molecules across the neuronal membrane produces the action potential . Electriccal pressure: results from the process of balancing ionic charges. Opposite charge attract and same charges repel eachother.
