Qu.

How K+ contribute to the development of an electrical potential across the cell

membrane?
There is a difference in K+ concentration inside (ICF intracellular fluid) and outside (ECF
extracellular fluid) of the cell
The cell membrane is selectively more permeable to K+
Diffusion of K+ down its concentration gradient (the chemical force) drives the charge
separation as the impermeable intracellular protein anions cannot pass through the cell
membrane

Qu. How membrane depolarization occurs following the closure of K+ channels (e.g.
ATP-sensitive K+ channels)?
When the membrane conductance to K+ decreases, the K+ efflux becomes less
With the continuing Na+ influx down the electrochemical gradient, the initial membrane
potential gradually becomes less negative (i.e. being depolarized, as more of Na+ ions enter
the cell than K+ ions leaving)

Qu. Why extracellular [K+] has a major impact on the resting membrane potential?
What is the effect of hypokalaemia or hyperkalaemia?
Under resting condition, the cell membrane is more permeable to K+. With a high K+
conductance, only a small K+ driving force (i.e. VM-EK) is needed to produce an efflux of
K+ (IK) that is sufficient to balance the Na+ influx (INa). As a result, the resting membrane
potential (VM) is very much drawn to the equilibrium potential of K+ (EK)
A small change in extracellular [K+] leads a bigger change in its ratio to intracellular [K+]
(e.g. when compared with [Na+]), and hence the EK and VM
Hypokalaemia results in membrane hyperpolarization as there is bigger concentration
gradient (chemical force) to drive the charge separation
Hyperkalaemia results in membrane depolarization as there is a reduced concentration
gradient (chemical force) to drive the charge separation (i.e. decrease in hyperpolarizing
current). It is NOT that there is an increased influx of extracellular K+ to depolarize the cell
membrane (i.e. NOT an increase in depolarizing current)

Qu. What is the impact of 5 mM increase in extracellular [K+]o or [Na+]o on the

equilibrium potential?
Ion
Na+
K+

Original [ion]o/
[ion]I
12:1
1:30

Revised [ion]o/
[ion]I
12.5:1
1:15

Ion
Na+
K+

Original Eion
+66 mV
-90 mV

Revised Eion
+67 mV
-72 mV

For the same absolute change (i.e. 5mM) in extracllualar [K+] or [Na+], [K+]o have higher
impact on equilibrium potential than [Na+]o due to:
A large change in [ion]o/ [ion]I ratio for K+ than Na+
Higher membrane permeability to K+, with membrane potential more determined by
EK+, than ENA+