Question

Resting membrane potential for the pyramidal neuron in this experiment was approximately (approximate because values vary every time the experiment is performed)

A) -70 mV
B) -20 mV
C) -40 mV
D) -90 mV

Answer 1

The resting membrane potential of a pyramidal neuron is typically around -70 mV, sustained by the selective permeability of the membrane and the action of ion pumps and leak channels, making A) -70 mV the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The resting membrane potential of a pyramidal neuron, which is the voltage difference across the cell membrane when the cell is at rest, is approximately -70 mV. This potential difference is primarily established due to the selective permeability of the neuronal membrane and the action of the Na+/K+ pump, which maintains higher concentrations of K+ inside the cell and Na+ outside the cell.

Leak channels and the Na+/K+ pump also contribute to maintaining this electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane. While this value can vary, -70 mV is the most commonly cited value for neurons like the pyramidal neuron mentioned in the question. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is A) -70 mV.