A hypothetical poison blocks K+ leak channels. How would this affect the resting membrane potential of skeletal muscle fibers? Explain your reasoning.

Question

Accepted Answer

Hey, everyone. Let's take a look at this question. Together, the inhibition of potassium leak channels can lead to what is it? Answer choice. A depolarization of the resting membrane potential. Answer choice B active movement of potassium ions out of the cell. Answer choice C an accumulation of positive charges or potassium ions outside of the cell or answer choice D all of the above. Let's work this problem out together to try to figure out which of the following answer choices explains the result of the inhibition of potassium leak channels. So in order to solve this question, we have to recall what role potassium plays and what the inhibition of those potassium leak channels can lead to. And we know that the prevention of the passive movement of the potassium ions out of the cell during the resting state best describes the inhibition of the potassium leak channels of which that prevention of the passive movement of the potassium ions out of the cell during its resting state can result in an accumulation of potassium ions also referred to as positive charges inside of the cell. And as a result of that accumulation of the positive charges inside of the cell. The intracellular environment becomes less negative or more positive due to that accumulation of the potassium ions which are also positive charges and the intracellular environment becoming less negative results in the resting membrane potential depolarizing. So looking at our answer choices, we can identify answer choice. A depolarization of the resting membrane potential is the correct answer. Since that best explains what the inhibition of the potassium leak channels can result in. And all other answer choices are incorrect. Since the prevention of or the inhibition of the potassium leak channels would not result in active movement of potassium ions out of the cell which results in an accumulation of positive charges or potassium ions inside of the cell and not outside of the cell. So answer choice A is the only correct answer choice. I hope you found this video to be helpful. Thank you and goodbye.

A hypothetical poison blocks K+ leak channels. How would this affect the resting membrane potential of skeletal muscle fibers? Explain your reasoning.

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Key Concepts

Resting Membrane Potential

Potassium Leak Channels

Effect of Ion Concentration on Membrane Potential