A cell memberane is selectively permeable: some ions can flow through it, and others cannot. When ions diffuse across the membrane, the difference in concentration creates an electric potential difference and an electric field. The difference in concentration of potassium ions inside and outside of the cell is the main contribution to the "resting potential" of a neuron. The Nernst potential is the potential difference across a cell membrane due to the diffusion of ions through it: kgT In AV = Ze Co kg = 1.38 x 10-23 J/K is Boltzmann's constant, T is the temperature in degrees kelvin (K), e is the proton charge, Z is the ionic charge, e is the molar concentration inside the membrane, and c, is the molar concentration outside the membrane. For a singly ionized molecule – like sodium (Na*) or potassium (K+) ions – we have Z = 1. (a) Suppose that the extracellular fluid of a cell – the fluid outside the cell memberane – has a potassium ion con- centration of 0.0045 mol/L and the intracellular fluid – the fluid inside the cell membrane – has a potassium ion concentration of 0.138 mol/L. How much work is required to transport a sodium ion across the membrane, from the outside of the cell to the inside, if the temperature is 37°C? (Ignore the effects of any other ions.) Every neuron has trillions of molecular machines called sodium-potassium pumps embedded in their membranes that use ATP as fuel to do this work. (b) A typical cell membrane has a thickness of about 4 nm. Estimate the electric field (magnitude and direction) inside of the cell membrane. Include a picture that indicates the inside of the cell, the outside, the concentration of ions, and the direction of the electric field.

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
Question
100%
3 Nernst Potential
A cell memberane is selectively permeable: some ions can flow through it, and others cannot. When ions diffuse acros
the membrane, the difference in concentration creates an electric potential difference and an electric field. The difference
in concentration of potassium ions inside and outside of the cell is the main contribution to the "resting potential" of a
сross
neuron.
The Nernst potential is the potential difference across a cell membrane due to the diffusion of ions through it:
kgT
In
AV =
Ze
Co
kg = 1.38 x 10-23 J/K is Boltzmann's constant, T is the temperature in degrees kelvin (K), e is the proton charge, Z
is the ionic charge, c, is the molar concentration inside the membrane, and c, is the molar concentration outside the
membrane. For a singly ionized molecule – like sodium (Na*) or potassium (K+) ions – we have Z = 1.
(a) Suppose that the extracellular fluid of a cell – the fluid outside the cell memberane – has a potassium ion con-
centration of 0.0045 mol/L and the intracellular fluid – the fluid inside the cell membrane – has a potassium ion
concentration of 0.138 mol/L. How much work is required to transport a sodium ion across the membrane, from
the outside of the cell to the inside, if the temperature is 37C? (Ignore the effects of any other ions.)
Every neuron has trillions of molecular machines called sodium-potassium pumps embedded in their membranes that
use ATP as fuel to do this work.
(b) A typical cell membrane has a thickness of about 4 nm. Estimate the electric field (magnitude and direction)
inside of the cell membrane. Include a picture that indicates the inside of the cell, the outside, the concentration
of ions, and the direction of the electric field.
Transcribed Image Text:3 Nernst Potential A cell memberane is selectively permeable: some ions can flow through it, and others cannot. When ions diffuse acros the membrane, the difference in concentration creates an electric potential difference and an electric field. The difference in concentration of potassium ions inside and outside of the cell is the main contribution to the "resting potential" of a сross neuron. The Nernst potential is the potential difference across a cell membrane due to the diffusion of ions through it: kgT In AV = Ze Co kg = 1.38 x 10-23 J/K is Boltzmann's constant, T is the temperature in degrees kelvin (K), e is the proton charge, Z is the ionic charge, c, is the molar concentration inside the membrane, and c, is the molar concentration outside the membrane. For a singly ionized molecule – like sodium (Na*) or potassium (K+) ions – we have Z = 1. (a) Suppose that the extracellular fluid of a cell – the fluid outside the cell memberane – has a potassium ion con- centration of 0.0045 mol/L and the intracellular fluid – the fluid inside the cell membrane – has a potassium ion concentration of 0.138 mol/L. How much work is required to transport a sodium ion across the membrane, from the outside of the cell to the inside, if the temperature is 37C? (Ignore the effects of any other ions.) Every neuron has trillions of molecular machines called sodium-potassium pumps embedded in their membranes that use ATP as fuel to do this work. (b) A typical cell membrane has a thickness of about 4 nm. Estimate the electric field (magnitude and direction) inside of the cell membrane. Include a picture that indicates the inside of the cell, the outside, the concentration of ions, and the direction of the electric field.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
DC circuits
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON