MEDizzy - Which ion has the lowest electrochemical driving force in a

Feed Library Learning Discuss Leaderboard Journal

The Nervous System (General Principles and Sensory Physiology) Part 1

Which ion has the lowest electrochemical driving force in a typical neuron with a resting membrane potential of −65 millivolts?

ExplanationThe equilibrium potential for chloride averages about −70 millivolts in a typical neuron, so with a resting membrane potential of −65 millivolts, the electrochemical driving force for chloride is 5 millivolts. The electrochemical driving force for sodium is about 127 millivolts; potassium has a value of about 21 millivolts during basal conditions.