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Resting Potential Decay

Resting Potential Decay

The resting membrane potential of a neuron (-70mV) is sustained due to the selective ion permeability of the membrane. At the resting potential, the membrane is slightly permeable to ions like sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl−) and highly permeable to potassium ions (K+). Differences in the ions' concentration inside the cell compared to the outside are maintained by membrane transport proteins like channels and pumps.
At rest, the K+ is the main ion that moves across the membrane through...

Resting Potential Decay

Resting Potential Decay

The resting membrane potential of a neuron (-70mV) is sustained due to the selective ion permeability of the membrane. At the resting potential, the membrane is slightly permeable to ions like sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl−) and highly permeable to potassium ions (K+). Differences in the ions' concentration inside the cell compared to the outside are maintained by membrane transport proteins like channels and pumps.
At rest, the K+ is the main ion that moves across the membrane through...

The Resting Membrane Potential

The Resting Membrane Potential

Resting Membrane Potential

Resting Membrane Potential

The relative difference in electrical charge, or voltage, between the inside and the outside of a cell membrane, is called the membrane potential. It is generated by differences in permeability of the membrane to various ions and the concentrations of these ions across the membrane.
The Inside of a Neuron is More Negative
The membrane potential of a cell can be measured by inserting a microelectrode into a cell and comparing the charge to a reference electrode in the extracellular fluid. The...

Resting Membrane Potential

Resting Membrane Potential

The relative difference in electrical charge, or voltage, between the inside and the outside of a cell membrane, is called the membrane potential. It is generated by differences in permeability of the membrane to various ions and the concentrations of these ions across the membrane.
The Inside of a Neuron is More Negative
The membrane potential of a cell can be measured by inserting a microelectrode into a cell and comparing the charge to a reference electrode in the extracellular fluid. The...

Junction Potentials in Galvanic Cells

Junction Potentials in Galvanic Cells

The Nernst equation, derived under the assumption of thermodynamic equilibrium, calculates the electromotive force (emf) as the sum of potential differences at phase boundaries in a reversible cell without a liquid junction. However, in irreversible cells such as the Daniell cell, an additional potential difference named the liquid-junction potential (EJ) arises across the interface of two electrolyte solutions due to different ion diffusion rates. This EJ represents the potential difference...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Membrane Potentials, Synaptic Responses, Neuronal Circuitry, Neuromodulation and Muscle Histology Using the Crayfish: Student Laboratory Exercises

Membrane Potentials, Synaptic Responses, Neuronal Circuitry, Neuromodulation and Muscle Histology Using the Crayfish: Student Laboratory Exercises

Published on: January 18, 2011

Dynamic theory of membrane potentials.

Kristopher R Ward¹, Edmund J F Dickinson, Richard G Compton

¹Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom.

The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B

|August 5, 2010

Summary

Computer simulations reveal how membrane potential forms dynamically. The study validates the Donnan equation for unequal concentrations but finds a dynamic, non-steady state for bi-ionic membranes, challenging classical models.

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Area of Science:

Biophysics
Computational Biology
Physical Chemistry

Background:

Membrane potential dynamics are crucial for electrophysiology and cell biochemistry.
Classical models like the Goldman equation are widely applied but require dynamic validation.
Understanding ion transport across membranes is fundamental to cellular function.

Purpose of the Study:

To model and investigate the dynamic evolution of membrane potential under varying conditions.
To assess the validity of the Goldman equation for different membrane system types.
To challenge and refine classical interpretations of potential difference in bi-ionic systems.

Main Methods:

Utilized Nernst-Planck-Poisson (NPP) finite difference method for computer simulations.
Modeled membrane systems separating electrolyte solutions with selective impermeability.
Analyzed two specific cases: unequal concentrations (type 1) and bi-ionic membranes (type 2).

Main Results:

Type 1 systems reached a steady state, showing strong agreement with the Donnan equation.
Type 2 (bi-ionic) systems exhibited a potential difference with two components: a pseudosteady Donnan-type potential and a dynamic, discharging diffuse component.
The diffuse component's behavior contradicted the classical static diffuse layer interpretation.

Conclusions:

The Goldman equation's applicability varies depending on membrane system characteristics.
Classical models may oversimplify the dynamic nature of potential differences, especially in bi-ionic membranes.
Dynamic simulations provide a more accurate understanding of complex membrane potential formation.