Homework Help: Biochemistry

Posted by Sean on Monday, December 7, 2009 at 3:36pm.

A cell has a resting membrane potential of -66 mV and a membrane Cl ion equilibrium potential of -24.0 mV

If a neurotransmitter acts on the cell membrane to open channels that are specifically permeable to Cl, will the membrane potential of the cells change? In which direction?

I'm not sure:

This could mean that the Cl ion permeability is increasing. If so, by the Goldman equation, the overall membrane potential will move towards the Cl ion equilibrium potential. The membrane potential would become less negative.

Or this could mean that the Cl ion becomes unregulated. If so, then Cl would be removed from the Goldman equation and the membrane potential would move away from the Cl ion equilibrium potential. The membrane potential would become more negative.

Please help. Thanks!

No one has answered this question yet.

Answer this Question

Related Questions

Animal Physiology-Membrane Potential - Intracellular Extracellular Na+ 12 mM 160...
biology - The function of neurons is to a. maintain a difference in electrical ...
Chemistry - Can someone direct me on the question below? I am not sure how to ...
Physiology - Can someone direct me on the question below? I am not sure how to ...
physics - The inner and outer surfaces of a cell membrane carry a negative and ...
Physics 112 - The inner and outer surfaces of a cell membrane carry a negative ...
physics 2 - The inner and outer surface of a cell membrane carry a negative and ...
Biology - 18. The function of neurons is to a. maintain a difference in ...
Biology - 18. The function of neurons is to a. maintain a difference in ...
biology - Hi, I appreciate your expert help,and I have a question for you. If I...

For Further Reading

First Name:
School Subject:
Answer: