Why is the resting potential of a neuron so close to the equilibrium potential of K+K⁺?

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edited Feb 5, 2015 at 6:23

I know this has something to do with the K+K⁺ leak channel. I just don't understand how.

I know that 3 Na+Na⁺ are pumped out for every 2 K+K⁺ pumped in. This makes the cell interior net negative.

I know that K+K⁺ is allowed to leak out slowly via K+K⁺ leak channels.

How does this place the resting potential of the cell so much closer to the equilibrium potential of K+K⁺ than Na+Na⁺?

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asked Feb 5, 2015 at 6:11

Why is the resting potential of a neuron so close to the equilibrium potential of K+?

I know this has something to do with the K+ leak channel. I just don't understand how.

I know that 3 Na+ are pumped out for every 2 K+ pumped in. This makes the cell interior net negative.

I know that K+ is allowed to leak out slowly via K+ leak channels.

How does this place the resting potential of the cell so much closer to the equilibrium potential of K+ than Na+?

molecular-biology