Potassium Ions Are Important in the Resting Membrane Potential and the Action

Essay

Potassium ions are important in the resting membrane potential and the action potential of the nerve and to the contraction of muscle cells. The concentration gradient of potassium ions is critical to both. An excess of potassium outside a neuron or muscle cell would negate the concentration gradient. What would happen if the heart were injected with massive amounts of potassium? Explain your answer.