When is a plasma membrane more permeable to K⁺ than to Na⁺?
A)During the resting potential
B)During the rising phase of an action potential
C)During the rising phase of a graded potential
D)Both a and b
E)Both b and c

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the resting potential, the plasma membrane is more permeable to K⁺ than to Na⁺ due to the presence of leak channels that allow K⁺ to move out of the cell more readily than Na⁺. This results in a resting membrane potential that is more negative than the equilibrium potential for K⁺. During the rising phase of an action potential and the rising phase of a graded potential, the plasma membrane becomes more permeable to Na⁺ than to K⁺, resulting in depolarization.

When Is a Plasma Membrane More Permeable to K⁺ Than