Biochemistry Question RE: Potassium Channels

[***]

Ok, K+ levels are high inside the cell and low outside. when a KATP channel is activated does the channel pump more potassium into the cell or is it the opposite where potassium leaks out of the cell? when the KATP channel is depolarized is that when the gradient (ratio) of intracellular potassium compared to extracellular potassium is so high that the channel opens up huge and allows the K+ to flow freely from the inside to the outside?

it has been a long time and i sold all my college text books!

karma to anyone who can help! thanks!

 

[russian_power]

hmm i learned this in gr.12 bio awhile ago but I think the sodium leaves the cell and in its wake it leaves deopolarized particles. Potassim enters. It only takes a split second of this then the energy is released and I can use my fingers to type this shite. The gates close allowing no salt to enter than it is reversed,salt re-enters and potassium leaves. may be wrong though...

 

[russian_power]

If you really want I can check my textbook...

 

[bigrand]

Na+ enters, cell depolarizes. Then action potential as nerve is stimulated. Then K+ leaves, cell repolarizes.

 

[russian_power]

bigrand, your right now I remember. Probably the only interesting thing I learned in BIO.

 

[bigrand]

No way! Bio is the best subject, well, at least as a major. Anything to do with the body and medicine is the best.

 

[***]

ok, so what's going on when the KATP channels are "activated"? where's the potassium going? in or out?

 

[***]

btw, potassium karma to both of you for trying to help