Why are Na+, K+, and Cl - the only ions considered in the GK equation when calculating resting membrane potential (Vm) ? Why are Na+, K+, and Cl - the only ions considered in the GK equation when calculating resting membrane potential (Vm) ? These ions are found in the highest concentrations inside the cell. These are the ions to which cell membranes are permeable at rest. These ions bind to receptors that increase the charge on the membrane. Only these ions have enough charge to influence Vm.

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Biology

Natalie Castro

28 January, 06:22

Why are Na+, K+, and Cl - the only ions considered in the GK equation when calculating resting membrane potential (Vm) ? Why are Na+, K+, and Cl - the only ions considered in the GK equation when calculating resting membrane potential (Vm) ? These ions are found in the highest concentrations inside the cell. These are the ions to which cell membranes are permeable at rest. These ions bind to receptors that increase the charge on the membrane. Only these ions have enough charge to influence Vm.

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Jax Bright · Answer 1

These are the ions to which cell membranes are permeable at rest

Explanation:

The Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation is used to calculate the resting membrane potential. It includes all the ions that cross the membrane, their concentrations inside and outside the cell, and the relative permeability of the membrane to those ions.

If the permeability of the membrane to an ion is 0 then that ion won't affect the resting membrane potential.