membrane potential

what causes resting membrane potential

1. negatively charged proteins in the cell - higher concentration of K+ inside and Na+ outside

2. K+ channel leaks - membrane is most permeable to K+ causing it to leak 

3. The Na+ / K+ - pumping 3 Na+ out of cell and K+ in cell causing a negative net charge inside 

what and where are the Na+/K+ pumps

1. they pump 3Na+ out the cell and K+ in the cell with the use of ATP (primary active transport)

2. they are found in the plasma of the membrane

what are equilibrium potentials

1. it is the “happy place” voltage for each individual ion (where the voltage and concentration forces balance)

2. they are based on the concertation gradient and voltage gradient 

What determines an ion’s driving force

1. concentration gradient - how much ions want to move based on the concertation difference 

2. voltage gradient - how much ions want to move based on electrical charge