Reversal potential

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Reversal Potential

Reversal potential (pronunciation: /rɪˈvɜːsəl pəˈtenʃəl/), also known as equilibrium potential, is a concept in neuroscience and electrophysiology that refers to the electrical potential difference across a cell membrane at which there is no net flow of a particular ion through a specific ion channel.

Etymology

The term "reversal potential" is derived from its function. When the membrane potential reaches the reversal potential, the direction of ion flow is reversed. The term "equilibrium potential" is used interchangeably, emphasizing the state of equilibrium reached when the electrical and chemical gradients for an ion are balanced.

Definition

Reversal potential is defined as the membrane potential at which the net flow of an ion across the membrane is zero. This occurs when the electrical gradient, which tends to drive ions in one direction, is exactly balanced by the concentration gradient, which tends to drive ions in the opposite direction. The reversal potential for a particular ion is determined by the Nernst equation.

Related Terms

  • Nernst Equation: An equation used to calculate the reversal potential for a particular ion.
  • Membrane Potential: The difference in electric potential between the interior and the exterior of a biological cell.
  • Ion Channel: A pore-forming protein that helps establish and control the small voltage gradient across the plasma membrane of cells.
  • Electrochemical Gradient: A gradient of electrochemical potential, usually for an ion that can move across a membrane.

See Also

External links

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