how does altering a potassium channel in a neuron might lead

how does altering a potassium channel in a neuron might lead to changes in the resting membrane potential?

Solution

In most animal cells, the menbrane potential is dictated predominantly by K⁺ gradient and its value is not far from the K⁺ equilibrium potential. In a typical animal cell, the negative charges on the orhanic molecules confined within the cell are largely balanced by K⁺, the predominant positive ion inside the cell. In nerve cells, the resting potential is about -70 mV, with the inside of the cell at a negative potential relative to the external medium. This is close to the potassium equilibrium potential. A nerve cell exhibits resting membrane potential is said to be polarized. Changes in membrane potential are brought about by changes in ion movement across the membrane. For example, if the net inward flow of positively charged ions ions increases compared too the resting state (such as more Na+ moves in), the membrane depolarizes (becomes less negative inside). By contrast, if the outward flow of positively charged ions increases compared to the resting state (such as more K⁺ moves out), the membrane hyperpolarizes (become more negative inside).