Final answer:
The difference in electrical charge across a membrane is described as membrane potential. It is pivotal for cell function, especially in nerve cells, where changes in this potential can lead to action potentials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes the difference in electrical charge across a membrane is membrane potential. Membrane potential is a critical aspect of a cell's electrical state, reflecting the distribution of charge across the cell membrane and is typically measured in millivolts (mV). The resting potential of a cell represents the steady state of electrical charge, generally between -50 mV to -70 mV, and is crucial for physiological responses to different signals. When a cell, such as a neuron, is stimulated, positive sodium ions (Na+) flow into the cell, causing a change in this potential, known as depolarization. The alteration from the resting state can lead to the generation of an action potential, which is the basis for transmitting nerve signals.