Question

Looking at the values without calculations, what would be your guess concerning whether the cell will have a positive or negative resting potential?

Option 1:
Positive resting potential
Option 2:
Negative resting potential
Option 3:
Neutral resting potential
Option 4:
Variable resting potential

Answer 1

The resting membrane potential of a cell is negative and typically between -50mV to -70mV. This negative charge is caused by the movement of ions and is maintained by the sodium-potassium pump.

Step-by-step explanation:

The resting membrane potential of a cell is negative, typically between -50mV to -70mV.

The negative charge inside the cell is caused by a net movement of positively charged potassium ions (K+) out of the cell compared to negatively charged sodium ions (Na+) moving in. This creates a separation of electrical charge that is capable of doing work and is measured in millivolts (mV). The sodium-potassium pump plays a role in maintaining the resting membrane potential by bringing in potassium ions and removing sodium ions.