PSY290H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Nernst Equation, Ion Channel, Resting Potential
Document Summary
A voltage di erence between the inside and the outside of the cell (neuron) The membrane potential can be measured by inserting microelectrodes into the cell. Resting membrane potential is the membrane potential of the neuron when it is at rest (i. e. when it is not being perturbed) resting membrane potential of about 70mv --> membrane is polarized. Four major ions that contribute to the membrane potential. Na+: ion concentration is higher in the outside than the inside. K+: ion concentration is higher in the inside than the outside. Cl-: ion concentration is higher in the outside than the inside. Negatively charged proteins (a-): concentration is higher in the inside than the outside. Positively charged ions (na+, k+) are in an electrical balance with negatively charged ions (cl-, a-) Ions can move across the membrane along the concentration gradient through ion channel proteins. Without the channel, there is no movements of k ions.
