Potassium ions will exit a neuron during a resting potential through open channels due to:
A) electrostatic attraction.
B) a concentration gradient.
C) sodium-potassium pump activity.
D) hyperpolarization.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During a resting potential, the concentration of potassium ions is higher inside the neuron and lower outside. Therefore, potassium ions will move out of the neuron through open channels due to a concentration gradient. This process is called passive diffusion. Electrostatic attraction refers to the force between opposite charges, but it does not play a significant role during resting potential. Sodium-potassium pump activity occurs during both resting potential and action potential, but it does not directly affect the movement of potassium ions during the resting potential. Hyperpolarization is a change in the membrane potential that occurs after an action potential and does not apply to the resting potential.

Potassium Ions Will Exit a Neuron During a Resting Potential