Question

State the important principles that you have discovered in working with the Nernst equation using the Nernst/Goldman simulator.

(generaly tell me why is this important)

Answer 1

The cell potential is created by permeability and concentration differences between all the ions that move in and out of the cell. It is used to determine the equilibrium potential across a cell's membrane using all of the ions that can cross the membrane.

This equation can work with several ions at the same time. In the presence of more than one ion, the Nernst equation can be modified into Hodgkin-Katz-Goldman equation or is commonly known as Goldman equation.

it takes the permeability of ions into account

the equilibrium values stay within a certain range determined by the Nernst equation for the individual ions. This is also determined by the permeability of the ion. The Nernst equation calculates the equilibrium potential for an ion based on the charge on the ion (i.e., its valence) and its concentration gradient across the membrane. Temperature also influences the Nernst potential.