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For the squid giant axon, the membrane potential computed by the Goldman equation is -60mV. And the Nernst potentials are (the differences between the K+ and the Na+'s Nernst potential and the membrane potential let the mechanism work):

  K+ = -74mV
  Na+ = 55mV
  Cl- = -60mV

I am wondering if the membrane potential is 0mV, whether the K+ and Na+ Nernst potentials still cause the mechanism to work, so can 0mV be a reasonable value? (That is, I think the value of potential is not important at all as long as the mechanism works well, is this true?)

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You have to consider that there are plenty of voltage-sensitive channels that will open at 0mV so, no, you will not be likely to have an equilibrium at 0mV with the "classic" amount and type of channels on the membrane. – nico Sep 22 '12 at 11:08
Thank you, I don't know this factor. – Po-Jen Lai Sep 22 '12 at 16:34
Not only are you battling the electronic potential, you're also battling chemical potentials. I'll let a cellular physiologist handle the answer. – bobthejoe Sep 23 '12 at 23:18
I didn't notice that.Thank you! – Po-Jen Lai Sep 24 '12 at 7:05

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