Problem #1: Nernst Potential

In a hypothetical cell the intracellular and extracellular environments differ in that the concentration of chloride
outside the cell is 500mm ([Cl]o=500mm) and the concentration of chloride inside the cell 100mm ([Cl]i=100mm)
. All other ions are equally concentrated on the inside and outside.

1. Given the above situation what electrical potential would be required to exactly balance the force generated by
the chemical gradient? Be able to show your work.
2. At equilibrium is the inside or the outside relatively negative?
3. This is somewhat of a trick question. What is the Nernst potential for potassium
 



Problem #2: Membrane Potential

                             (permeable to a single ion species)
In a hypothetical cell the intra and extracellular environments are as follows:

 
                            inside              outside
 Sodium                 50                      440
 Chloride                100                     560
 Calcium                .4                          10
 Potassium              400                      20
 

1. What would the membrane potential be if the membrane were only permeable to potassium? Be able to show
your work.

2. What would happen to the membrane potential if the concentration of potassium in the extracellular media were
doubled? Explain.

3. What would the membrane potential be if the membrane were only permeable to calcium?
 



Problem #3: Membrane Potential

                            (permeable to a multiple ion species)
In a hypothetical cell the intra and extracellular environments are as follows:

 
                     inside         outside      ratio of permeabilities
 Sodium             50            337             .019
 Chloride            41            340             .381
 Calcium             .04          10              .002
 Potassium         168              6               1
 

1. What would the membrane potential be if the membrane were only permeable to potassium and sodium?

2. What would the membrane potential be if the membrane were permeable to all ions?

3. Does the membrane hyperpolarize or depolarize when the potassium conductance increases? Why?