If the potassium permeability of a resting neuron increases above the resting permeability, what effect will this have on the transmembrane potential?

Question

Hana Yates

Biology

8 December, 14:51

If the potassium permeability of a resting neuron increases above the resting permeability, what effect will this have on the transmembrane potential?

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Ruben Herman · Answer 1

More potassium permeability - > more potassium in - > resting membran potential is now more + ve. This makes the neuron extra sensitive, as it will take LESS charges to reach threshold potential and have an action potential occur.

E. g., if temperature sensory neuron is meant to fire at 40 degrees or hotter (just an example, im not actually sure) then it may instead fire at 35 degrees. it will take less of a change for the neuron to fire (reach threshold potential).