Ion Flux Rate in a Resting Neuron

Which ion would have the fastest flux rate in a resting neuron (Vm = -65 mV)? In a resting neuron with a membrane potential (Vm) of -65 mV, the ion with the fastest flux rate would be the one with the largest difference between its equilibrium potential (E) and the resting membrane potential. Ion 3 (E3 = +50 mV) would have the highest flux rate.

When looking at the given data, Ion 3 has an equilibrium potential (E) of +50 mV, which is significantly higher than the resting membrane potential (Vm) of -65 mV in the neuron. This means that Ion 3 has the largest difference between its equilibrium potential and the resting membrane potential, leading to the fastest flux rate.

It is essential to understand that the flux rate of ions across the neuron membrane is determined by the electrochemical gradient, which is influenced by the difference between the ion's equilibrium potential and the membrane potential. In this scenario, Ion 3 has the most favorable conditions for rapid flux due to the significant gap between its equilibrium potential and the resting membrane potential.

Furthermore, the number of channels open for each ion does not impact the flux rate significantly as long as there is at least one open channel available. Therefore, the primary factor affecting the flux rate in this context is the difference between the ion's equilibrium potential and the resting membrane potential.

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