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AAT Bioquest

What is equilibrium potential?

Posted July 3, 2024


Answer

Equilibrium potential is the potential at which the electrical and concentration gradients for an ion balance out. At this potential, the electrical force balances diffusion exactly, so there is no net flux of the ion across the membrane. Since there is no movement of ions, there is no change in the intracellular and extracellular concentrations, and the ion is at equilibrium.

Additional resources

ELECTROCHEMICAL THEORY | Kinetics

Cell/Cytoplasmic Membrane Potential Activity & Analysis

Screen Quest™ Membrane Potential Assay Kit *Red Fluorescence*