Molecular Biologists Perform a Series of Experiments to Characterize the Electrophysiologic

question 63

Multiple Choice

Molecular biologists perform a series of experiments to characterize the electrophysiologic properties of human muscle cells.  The resting membrane potential for an isolated muscle cell is determined to be -70 mV.  The equilibrium potentials for important ions under normal physiologic conditions are as follows:E_Na = + 60 mV
E_K = - 90 mV
E_Cl = - 75 mV
E_Ca = + 125 mV
E_Mg = 0 mVIf physiologic conditions are maintained, which of the following ions would most likely flow out of the cell after opening of their respective ion channels?

• A)Magnesium and calcium
• B)Magnesium and chloride
• C)Potassium and chloride
• D)Potassium only
• E)Sodium and calcium

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Definitions:

Research Hypothesis

The hypothesis that the variables under investigation are related in the population—that the observed effect based on sample data is true in the population.

Inferential Statistics

A branch of statistics that allows us to make predictions or inferences about a population based on data collected from a sample.

Conclusions

The end judgments or determinations reached after considering all the relevant facts and evidence.

Scales of Measurement

The various ways in which variables or data can be quantitatively and qualitatively defined and classified.