Question

Define the resting membrane potential. List conditions that result in a resting membrane potential.

A. The resting membrane potential is the voltage across the cell membrane when the cell is at rest. Conditions leading to this potential include ion concentration gradients, selective permeability, and active ion transport.
B. The resting membrane potential is the voltage when the cell is actively firing. Conditions leading to this potential include depolarization, hyperpolarization, and ion channel inactivation.
C. The resting membrane potential is the absence of voltage across the cell membrane. Conditions leading to this potential include increased ATP production, elevated cytoplasmic calcium, and decreased sodium-potassium pump activity.
D. The resting membrane potential is the voltage during cell division. Conditions leading to this potential include chromosomal alignment, mitotic spindle formation, and cytokinesis.

Answer 1

The resting membrane potential is the voltage across the cell membrane when the cell is at rest. It is caused by differences in ion concentrations inside and outside the cell, with potassium being the dominant ion. This potential is maintained by selective permeability, ion concentration gradients, and sodium-potassium pumps.

Step-by-step explanation:

The resting membrane potential is the voltage across the cell membrane when the cell is at rest. It is caused by differences in the concentrations of ions inside and outside the cell, with the dominant ion being potassium (K+). The inside of the cell is more negatively charged than the outside, with a typical value of -70 mV. This potential is maintained by selective permeability of the membrane, ion concentration gradients, and the action of sodium-potassium pumps.