2) The following circuit represents an excitable cell at equilibrium. The three resistors GNa, Gk, and Gci represent Na+, K+, and Cl- channels; the three batteries VNa, Vk, and Vci represent the reversal potentials for Na+, K+, and Cl-.
a) If the membrane potential Vm can be measured from the node at the top of this circuit, write an expression for the ionic currents INa, Ik, and Ici through each resistor. Assume the quantities GNa, Gk, and Gci are conductances, which is the inverse of resistance. For example, Gci = 1/10 kΩ or 0.1 mS in the circuit above.
b) Using your answers from part A, at what membrane potential Vm will INa = 0? At what membrane potential Vm will Ik = 0? At what membrane potential Vm will Ici = 0?
c) Use your answers from part A to derive the following relationship for the resting membrane potential Vm in terms of the conductances GNa, Gk, and Gci and the reversal potentials VNa, Vk, and Vci:
GNa VNa + Gk Vk + Gci Vci / GNa + Gk + Gci
HINT: use nodal analysis to write an expression for the sum of INa, Ik, and Ici.