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In the Cochlea of the Ear Sounds Waves Are Turned

Question 29

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In the cochlea of the ear sounds waves are turned into electrical signals through special cells called hair cells. When a wave travels through the cochlea it moves the 'hairs' and opens ion channels that are permeable to K+ and Ca2+. These 'hairs' are in a fluid that has a very high K+ concentration compared to the inside of the cell.
A. When the ion channels open, in what direction do K+ ions flow and why?
B. Based on this relative concentration difference of K+, what do you predict the equilibrium potential for K+ will be: positive, negative or zero?

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The potassium will flow into the hair ce...

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