Suppose a cell is in a bathing solution of 1 m NaCl and across the membrane ther

Question

Suppose a cell is in a bathing solution of 1 m NaCl and across the membrane there is a voltage of -59 mV. If the cell is allowed to go to equilibrium for both ions while maintaining a membrane potential of -59 mV, the concentrations inside the cell will be (draw yourself a picture, it may help. Hint, you do not need a calculator, just remember the significance of -59 mV as discussed in class)

[Na+] = 1 mM and [Cl-] = 1 mM

[Na+] = 0.1 mM and [Cl-] = 0.1 mM

[Na+] = 10 mM and [Cl-] = 0.1 mM

[Na+] = 100 mM and [Cl-] = 0.01 mM

[Na+] = 0.1 mM and [Cl-] = 10 mM

[Na+] = 1 mM and [Cl-] = 1 mM

[Na+] = 0.1 mM and [Cl-] = 0.1 mM

[Na+] = 10 mM and [Cl-] = 0.1 mM

[Na+] = 100 mM and [Cl-] = 0.01 mM

[Na+] = 0.1 mM and [Cl-] = 10 mM

Explanation / Answer

Correct option is: [Na+] = 10 mM and [Cl-] = 0.1 mM

Explanation:

Charge separation across the membrane capacitance will result in a resting membrane potential -59 mv (milli volts). The Nernst Equation gives the membrane potential at which a given ion will be in electrochemical equilibrium.

Equal concentrations of both positive and negative ions will give a zero resting potential (membrane potential).

a higher concentration of positive ion (Na+) and lower concentration of negative ion (Cl-) results in negative value of membrane potential value (-59 mv) inside the membrane and

a lower concentration of positively charged ions (Na+) and higher concentration of negatively charged ions (Cl-) results in positive value of membrane potential.

Hence the answer will becomes [Na+] = 10 mM and [Cl-] = 0.1 mM

I reuest you to please see the pages 5 - 10 in the below pdf file

http://mcb5068.wustl.edu/MCB/Lecturers/Nichols/LectureSlides/CELLBIO-2012

also try the test or submit answer to know correct ones

https://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/courseSites/quiz/quizsheet_reply.cfm

Thank You So Much! Please Rate this answer as you wish.

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