Physiology of Voltage and Concentration Gradients

Flashcards created from lecture notes on the physiology of voltage and concentration gradients, focusing on key concepts, definitions, and principles.

What are the key learning objectives for the lecture on the physiology of voltage and concentration gradients?

Understand the concept of independence of flows of electrolytes, comprehend concentration and electrical driving forces, and understand the origin of potassium electrochemical equilibrium potentials in healthy tissues.

What does the Pump/Leak concept refer to in cellular transport?

It describes simultaneous and independent transport events of electrolytes into and out of cells, where ions can be actively pumped and passively leaked.

What are the main biomedical driving forces affecting electrolyte movement?

The main driving forces are electrical gradients and chemical concentration gradients.

What is the electrochemical equilibrium potential for potassium (K+) in healthy tissues?

The electrochemical equilibrium potential for potassium (K+) is -100 mV.

What is the effect of concentration gradient on electrolyte movement?

Electrolytes tend to move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

How do electrical and chemical driving forces interact in a cell?

Electrical forces create a potential difference across the membrane, while chemical concentrations create gradients that affect the direction and rate of ion movement.

What is the significance of the electrochemical equilibrium potential?

It is determined by the concentration gradient and permeability of the membrane to the ion, defining the voltage at which there is no net movement of that ion.

What occurs during the transition to equilibrium for potassium ions (K+)?

As potassium ions move across the membrane, they eventually reach a point where the electrical and concentration gradients balance, reaching equilibrium.

What key concept summarizes the movement of electrolytes in cell membranes?

Electrolytes are pumped and leak across cell membranes simultaneously but independently.