FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I have a quick question about how the equilibrium potential is

described. The definition says that its the voltage that would
have to exist across a membrane to prevent the net movement
of an ion down its concentration gradient. The word down is
confusing me.

ANSWER: Let's take sodium (Na), for example. Simply, if the Na

concentrations are 150 mM in the extracellular fluid and 15 mM in
the intracellular fluid, the concentration or chemical gradient will
tend to move Na into the cell. Under these conditions:
If Na is moving into the cell, scientists say: The net movement of Na
is into the cell, with or down its concentration gradient.
If Na is moving out of the cell, scientists say: The net movement of
Na is out of the cell, against its concentration gradient.

How can I figure out which way the ions are moving?

1. First ask yourself: Where is the actual membrane voltage (Vm or

RMP) relative to the calculated equilibrium potential, which is your
reference. Is the Vm more positive (above the equilibrium potential
line) or more negative (below the equilibrium potential line)
compared to your calculated equilibrium potential (Es)?
2. Draw a cell and put in the middle of that cell "more +" or "more
-, and only use the word "more, not less! If you use the word
less, it will mess you up. Also, write in the middle of your drawn
cell the ion of interest, (e.g., Na+ or K+). Dont worry about its
concentration gradient. Its built into the Nernst equation.
3. Ask yourself: Is that ion going to be repelled out of the cell, or be
attracted into the cell? (Remember: Like charges repel and unlike
charges attract.)
Youre done!
NOTE: The key is to compare the RMP to the Es, and NOT the other
way around.