Membrane potential is not zero at equilibrium due to unequal ion distributions

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

4 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that membrane potential is not zero at equilibrium due to unequal ion distributions?

Yes. Multiple studies and foundational biophysical principles confirm that the membrane potential at equilibrium is non-zero due to the unequal transmembrane distribution of ions.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 4 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 6 Aug 2026

The analysis

The claim is that membrane potential is not zero at equilibrium due to unequal ion distributions. Papers 2, 4, 5, and 7 all discuss how membrane potentials (or equilibrium/resting potentials) arise from and depend on unequal or uneven ion concentrations across cell membranes. Therefore, the evidence strongly supports the claim, and no retrieved papers refute it.

Evidence for · 4

Determining K+ Channel Activation Curves from K+ Channel Currents Often Requires the Goldman–Hodgkin–Katz Equation

2009

The paper discusses the unequal distribution of K+ ions across the intra- and extracellular media and how it relates to membrane potential descriptions.

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Clay, J. (2009). Determining K+ Channel Activation Curves from K+ Channel Currents Often Requires the Goldman–Hodgkin–Katz Equation. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3389/neuro.03.020.2009

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More for · 3

Quantum Electrochemical Equilibrium: Quantum Version of the Goldman–Hodgkin–Katz Equation

2020

The study notes that the resting membrane voltage of excitable cells is determined by the electrochemical equilibrium and unequal concentrations of potassium and sodium ions.

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Qaswal, A. (2020). Quantum Electrochemical Equilibrium: Quantum Version of the Goldman–Hodgkin–Katz Equation. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3390/quantum2020017

The critical role of logarithmic transformation in Nernstian equilibrium potential calculations.

2017

The paper states that the membrane potential arises from the uneven distribution of ions across cell membranes containing selectively permeable ion channels.

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Sawyer, J. E. R., Hennebry, J. E., Revill, A., & Brown, A. M. (2017). The critical role of logarithmic transformation in Nernstian equilibrium potential calculations.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00166.2016

Relationship between inorganic ion distribution, resting membrane potential, and the Δ<i>G</i>' of ATP hydrolysis: a new paradigm.

2019

The study discusses how inorganic ions are distributed unequally across the plasma membrane and how this relates to the cell resting membrane potential.

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RL, V., MT, K., R, P., PC, B., & W, C. (2019). Relationship between inorganic ion distribution, resting membrane potential, and the Δ<i>G</i>' of ATP hydrolysis: a new paradigm.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.201901942r

Related receipts

Is it true that the electric potential of the Earth is defined as zero? SUPPORTED related question, same topic
Is it true that membrane potential varies between intracellular membranes and the plasma membrane? SUPPORTED related question, same topic

Receipt History

first checked06 Aug 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 8306 Aug 2026

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