Identify whether each of the following would result in the m

Identify whether each of the following would result in the membrane potential becoming more positive or more negative.
Match the appropriate change with each scenario.

Increasing the concentration of K⁺ in the extracellular fluid

Decreasing the concentration of K⁺ in the extracellular fluid

Decreasing the number of leak channels for Na⁺ along the cellular membrane

Inserting more K⁺ leak channels into the cellular membrane

Increasing the concentration of Na⁺ in the extracellular fluid

Solution

Answer

Increasing the concentration of K⁺ in the extracellular fluid: An increase in extracellular K⁺ concentration will cause depolarization and makes the membrane potential more positive.

Decreasing the concentration of K⁺ in the extracellular fluid: Decrease in the K⁺ concentration in the extracellular fluid leads to hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential and makes the membrane potential negative.

Decreasing the number of leak channels for Na⁺ along the cellular membrane: Decreasing the number of leak channels for Na+ along the cellular membrane will make the membrane potential more negative.

Inserting more K⁺ leak channels into the cellular membrane: The membrane potential would become more negative, if more K⁺ channels are inserted into the cellular membrane.

Increasing the concentration of Na⁺ in the extracellular fluid: Na+ are transported out of the cell increasing the concentration of Na⁺ outside the cell and makes the membrane potential more positive