Question

Why are nerst equation and the Goldman -Hodgkin-Katz equation important for understanding neurophysiology?

Answer 1

Nernst and the Goldman- Hodgkin -Katz equations are very important in neurophysiology because they are mathematical characterization of the membrane potential. Membrane potential is nothing but electrical potential between inside and outside of a biological cell. And it is important for secondary active transport in the cell.

Nernst equation is used to calculate the membrane potential of any ion. Infact the exact value of equilibrium potential can be calculated using Nernst equation because it studies the temperature, change and inside outside concentration gradient of ions.

The Nernst equation for equilibrium potential of ions is as follows.

,

Where, E= equilibrium potential of ions

R= Gas constant

T= Temperature

Z= ionic charge

F= Faraday's constant

(Ion)o= concentration of ions outside the cell

(Ion)i = concentration of ions inside the cell.

Though Goldsman's equation, resting membrane potential can be determined if we know the relative permeability of different ions across the membrane.

Equation for Goldman -Hodgkin-Katz for a membrane which is permeable only to at 37 degree is as follows:

Where, Vm = membrane potential

= Relative permeability of accros the membrane.

= Relative permeability of across the membrane.

(Ion)o = concentration of ions outside the cell

(Ion)i = concentration of ions inside the cell.

Hope you got the answer you were looking for. Please do the thumbs up. Thanks in advance. Have a great day ahead.