1.
(ionic) equilibrium potential (Eion): the VOLTAGE DIFFERENCE that exactly balances an ionic concentration gradient
2.
calcium pump: enzyme that actively transports Ca2+ out of the neuron
3.
diffusion: movement of ions across the membrane that occurs when (1) there is a concentration gradient across the membrane and (2) there are channels permeable to the ions
4.
electrical potential: another term for voltage; the force exerted on a charged particle
5.
gating (in ion channels): changes in the local microenvironment of the membrane causes the channel to open or close
6.
Goldman equation: equation that calculates the resting membrane potential, taking into consideration the relative permeability of the membrane to different ions
7.
ion channel: a pore in the membrane formed by 4-6 similar protein molecules (called subunits)
8.
ion pumps: enzymes that use the energy released by the breakdown of ATP to TRANSPORT certain ions across the membrane
9.
ion selectivity (in ion channels): specified by the diameter of the pore and the nature of the R groups surrounding it
10.
ions: atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge
11.
membrane potential (Vm): the VOLTAGE across the neuronal membrane at any moment
12.
Nernst equation: equation that determines the exact value of an EQUILIBRIUM POTENTIAL using the charge of the ion, the temperature, and the ratio of the external and internal ion concentrations
13.
sodium-potassium pump: exchanges internal Na+ for external K+ (enzyme breaks down ATP in the presence of Na+, which drives the pump)