Final answer:
The electrical properties of cells result from ion concentration differences across the plasma membrane, which create a membrane potential crucial for nerve cell function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electrical properties of cells are the result of ion concentration differences across the plasma membrane. This is due to active transport of ions, which creates an electrical gradient, and the membrane potential, which is a voltage across the membrane caused by separation of opposite charges. Ions, such as Na+ and K+, are differentially distributed and cannot return to an evenly mixed state due to the semipermeable nature of the cell membrane.
During the resting state of a cell, there are higher concentrations of K+ inside the cell and higher concentrations of Na+ outside the cell. This creates a membrane potential of about -70 mV. When a nerve cell is stimulated, Na+ ions enter the cell, changing the membrane potential and initiating an electrical signal.
The membrane potential is very important for functions such as the conduction of electrical impulses along nerve cells.