In the Cochlea of the Ear Sounds Waves Are Turned

question 29

Essay

In the cochlea of the ear sounds waves are turned into electrical signals through special cells called hair cells. When a wave travels through the cochlea it moves the 'hairs' and opens ion channels that are permeable to K⁺ and Ca²⁺. These 'hairs' are in a fluid that has a very high K⁺ concentration compared to the inside of the cell.
A. When the ion channels open, in what direction do K⁺ ions flow and why?
B. Based on this relative concentration difference of K⁺, what do you predict the equilibrium potential for K⁺ will be: positive, negative or zero?

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