What happens to anions during an action potential?

[663697]

Khan Academy says that there are chloride channels to allow Cl- to cross the plasma membrane but doesn't elaborate further. Can somebody explain this in more detail?

 

[Nugester]

Well, the sodium-potassium pump keeps the outside of the cell + and the inside -. At the resting potential, anions would be inside the cell to maintain +/- aspect. During an action potential it is primarily the movement of sodium and potassium that changes the relative charges inside/outside the cell so i imagine they would stay put.

 

[Nugester]

So yes, I am incorrect that extracellularly there are more Cl, however this is adjusted to maintain the resting potential. Also, the negatively charged anions that result mostly from proteins intracellularly help maintain the -70 mV resting potential as well.

 

[663697]

Does chlorine travel down any electrochemical gradients or does its concentration remain stable in the extracellular environment?

 

[Nugester]

Does chlorine travel down any electrochemical gradients or does its concentration remain stable in the extracellular environment?

My understanding is that it is relatively stable and is adjusted as needed.