2. in psychiatry, an unconscious defense mechanism in which unacceptable ideas, fears, and impulses are thrust out or kept out of consciousness. 3. gene r. enzyme repression interference, usually by the endproduct of a pathway, with synthesis of the enzymes of that pathway. gene repression the inhibition of gene transcription of an operon; in prokaryotes repressor binding to the operon is involved.
The ratio of intracellular to extracellular potassium determines neuromuscular and cardiovascular excitability, which is why serum potassium is normally regulated within a narrow range of 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L. Dietary K+ intake is highly variable, ranging from as low as 40 mmol/day to more than 100 mmol/day.
Potassium is the major intracellular cation (intracellular K+ concentration is approximately 140 mEq/L) and is important for maintaining resting membrane potential of cells, particularly muscle and nerves. 60-75% of total body potassium is found within muscle cells, with the remainder in bone.