The interior surface of a neuron's plasma membrane at resting membrane potential will have a _________.
A) positive charge and contains less sodium than outside of the cell
B) negative charge and contains more sodium than outside of the cell
C) negative charge and contains less sodium than outside of the cell
D) positive charge and contains more sodium than outside of the cell

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At resting membrane potential, the interior surface of a neuron's plasma membrane is negatively charged due to the presence of more negatively charged ions (such as proteins and organic anions) inside the cell compared to outside. Additionally, the concentration of sodium ions is higher outside the cell and lower inside the cell at resting membrane potential, creating an electrical gradient that favors the inward movement of sodium ions. Therefore, the interior surface of the plasma membrane at resting membrane potential will have a negative charge and contain less sodium than outside of the cell.

The Interior Surface of a Neuron's Plasma Membrane at Resting