During the resting potential A) K⁺ ions leave the cell along a concentration gradient and along an electrical gradient. B) K⁺ ions leave the cell against a concentration gradient but along an electrical gradient. C) Na⁺ ions enter the cell along a concentration gradient and along an electrical gradient. D) Na⁺ ions enter the cell along a concentration gradient but against an electrical gradient. E) Cl^- ions enter the cell along a concentration gradient and along an electrical gradient.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During resting potential, the inside of the cell is negatively charged relative to the outside, resulting in a net electrical gradient that favors the entry of positively charged ions such as Na+. However, the concentration gradient for Na+ is such that there is more Na+ outside the cell than inside, so there is a net movement of Na+ ions into the cell along their concentration gradient. At the same time, the concentration of K+ ions inside the cell is higher than outside, so there is a net movement of K+ ions out of the cell along their concentration gradient. Therefore, Option C is correct as Na⁺ ions enter the cell along a concentration gradient and along an electrical gradient.

During the Resting Potential