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 Answer of 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?

In the Cochlea of the Ear Sounds Waves Are Turned