Abstract
The diffusion potential in taenia coli cells calculated from the intra- and extracellular ion concentrations and from the calculated membrane permeabilities is less negative than the measured membrane potential. This discrepancy could be due to a continuous contribution of an electrogenic ion pump to the membrane potential. This hypothesis is supported by the finding that the sum of the active ion fluxes is sufficiently large to generate a potential of — 20 mV across the membrane. Moreover, an unequivocal electrogenic component of the membrane potential has been demonstrated during maximal activation of the ion pump in K-depleted cells. The importance of this electrogenic component depends on the membrane resistance, a parameter which is very much affected by the experimental procedure. The active Na-K exchange is stimulated by [Na] 1 , and [K] 0 and is inhibited by [Na] 0 . Furthermore, it has been observed that 47% of the Na-exchange of Na-enriched tissues is due to Na exchange diffusion.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. B, Biological Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
