Which of these statements describes the resting membrane potential A)It is much closer to the equilibrium potential for Na⁺ than to the equilibrium potential for K⁺. B)It is much closer to the equilibrium potential for K⁺ than to the equilibrium potential for Na⁺. C)It is the same as the equilibrium potential for Cl^-. D)It refers to the presence of Na⁺ inside the cell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The resting membrane potential is generated by the unequal distribution of ions across the plasma membrane, with more K⁺ ions inside the cell and more Na⁺ ions outside the cell. This creates an electrical gradient that pulls K⁺ ions out of the cell and Na⁺ ions into the cell, resulting in a negative resting membrane potential that is much closer to the equilibrium potential for K⁺ (-90mV) than to the equilibrium potential for Na⁺ (+60mV). Therefore, option B is the correct statement. Option A is incorrect as the resting membrane potential is not closer to the equilibrium potential for Na⁺. Option C is incorrect as there is no equilibrium potential for Cl-. Option D is incorrect as the presence of Na⁺ inside the cell does not define the resting membrane potential.

Which of These Statements Describes the Resting Membrane Potential