Question

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Assume a cell has a membrane potential of -70 mV and a Cl- equilibrium potential of -81 mV. If the cell membrane is permeable to Cl-, will there be net movement of Cl- into or out of the cell? Explain.

Answer 1

Cl- ions will move inside the cell.

Explanation:

When the equilibrium potential and is equal to membrane potential, the net charge across the membrane is equal to zero and therefore there is not movement of ions across the membrane. However, in this case, the membrane potential is -70 mV, while the equilibrium of negatively charged Cl- ions is -81 mV. In consequence, Cl- ions will tend to move inside of the cell.