What physiological condition results from increased resting membrane potential due to hypokalemia?

Increased resting membrane potential due to hypokalemia leads to membrane hyperpolarization. Hypokalemia, which is characterized by low levels of potassium ions (K+) in the extracellular fluid, affects the overall electrical gradient across the cell membrane.

Potassium ions are crucial for maintaining the resting membrane potential because they predominantly determine how negative the inside of a cell is compared to the outside. When potassium levels drop, fewer K+ ions are available to leave the cell, which contributes to an increase in the negativity (hyperpolarization) of the resting membrane potential. This means that the interior of the cell becomes more negative relative to the outside than it would be under normal conditions.

As a result of hyperpolarization, the threshold for depolarization increases, making it less likely for the cell to fire action potentials. This effect can significantly impact muscle and nerve function, leading to symptoms such as weakness or arrhythmias in clinical settings. Understanding this mechanism is essential for recognizing the physiological implications of electrolyte imbalances on cellular activity.