84.1k views
1 vote
If the membrane potential is equal to the equilibrium potential for an ion, individual ions will NOT

move across the membrane in either direction.
A. True
B. False

User Kiley Naro
by
7.3k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

If the membrane potential matches the equilibrium potential for an ion, ions can still diffuse across the membrane due to thermal energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is False. If the membrane potential is equal to the equilibrium potential for an ion, individual ions will not be at equilibrium and will still be able to move across the membrane. The equilibrium potential is the membrane potential at which the driving force for ion movement is zero, meaning there is no net movement of ions. So, if the membrane potential matches the equilibrium potential for an ion, there will be no driving force for ion movement, but the ions can still diffuse across the membrane due to thermal energy.

User Chad Von Nau
by
8.0k points