<P> For most animal cells potassium ions ( K ) are the most important for the resting potential . Due to the active transport of potassium ions , the concentration of potassium is higher inside cells than outside . Most cells have potassium - selective ion channel proteins that remain open all the time . There will be net movement of positively charged potassium ions through these potassium channels with a resulting accumulation of excess negative charge inside of the cell . The outward movement of positively charged potassium ions is due to random molecular motion ( diffusion ) and continues until enough excess negative charge accumulates inside the cell to form a membrane potential which can balance the difference in concentration of potassium between inside and outside the cell . `` Balance '' means that the electrical force ( potential ) that results from the build - up of ionic charge , and which impedes outward diffusion , increases until it is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the tendency for outward diffusive movement of potassium . This balance point is an equilibrium potential as the net transmembrane flux ( or current ) of K is zero . A good approximation for the equilibrium potential of a given ion only needs the concentrations on either side of the membrane and the temperature . It can be calculated using the Nernst equation : </P>
<P> For most animal cells potassium ions ( K ) are the most important for the resting potential . Due to the active transport of potassium ions , the concentration of potassium is higher inside cells than outside . Most cells have potassium - selective ion channel proteins that remain open all the time . There will be net movement of positively charged potassium ions through these potassium channels with a resulting accumulation of excess negative charge inside of the cell . The outward movement of positively charged potassium ions is due to random molecular motion ( diffusion ) and continues until enough excess negative charge accumulates inside the cell to form a membrane potential which can balance the difference in concentration of potassium between inside and outside the cell . `` Balance '' means that the electrical force ( potential ) that results from the build - up of ionic charge , and which impedes outward diffusion , increases until it is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the tendency for outward diffusive movement of potassium . This balance point is an equilibrium potential as the net transmembrane flux ( or current ) of K is zero . A good approximation for the equilibrium potential of a given ion only needs the concentrations on either side of the membrane and the temperature . It can be calculated using the Nernst equation : </P>
what is an increase in a cell 's membrane potential
what is an increase in a cell 's membrane potential
`` Balance ''
`` Balance ''