- #1
NOP90
- 9
- 0
Homework Statement
Calculate the membrane potential (Vm) of a cell, given the following resistances and equilibrium potentials (10 marks)
E(K) = -80mV, R(K) = 0.2*10^6 ohms, E(Na) = 60mV, R(Na) = 0.2*10^6 ohms
Homework Equations
Not sure
The Attempt at a Solution
In my texts I have read that they relate some of the workings of a cell to a battery. So I used an equation from my last year physics lectures on electricity:
I = E(Na) - E(K) / R(Na) + R(K)
If I plug in the values I get a current of 3.5*10^-4
The lecture then asks about potential difference, which may translate to membrane potential (given that the lecture is about electricity and not specifically a cell). So I worked out the current in hope that current is needed for another equation. It's worth 10 marks so I'm assuming more than 1 equation will be used.