The resting membrane potential of a typical animal cell is about –70 mV, and the thickness of a lipid bilayer is about 4.5 nm. What is the strength of the electric field across the membrane in V/cm? What do you suppose would happen if you applied this field strength to two metal electrodes separated by a 1-cm air gap?

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)
9th Edition
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
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Chapter3: The Plasma Membrane And Membrane Potential
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 2TAHL: Assume that a membrane permeable to Na+ but not to Cl- separates two solutions. The concentration of...
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The resting membrane potential of a typical animal cell is about –70 mV, and the thickness of a lipid bilayer is about 4.5 nm. What is the strength of the electric field across the membrane in V/cm? What do you suppose would happen if you applied this field strength to two metal electrodes separated by a 1-cm air gap?

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