Understanding Resting Membrane Potential

Hard Unit 2: Biological Bases Neural Communication

Neural communication is a sophisticated process that facilitates the interaction between neurons in the central nervous system. A crucial element in this communication is the concept of the resting membrane potential. This potential describes the difference in electric charge across a neuron’s membrane when it is not actively transmitting an impulse.

Which of the following statements accurately describes a feature of the resting membrane potential, particularly regarding ion distribution and permeability?

The resting membrane potential is primarily maintained by the high concentration of potassium ions (K+) inside the neuron.

The resting membrane potential is a result of the equal distribution of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions across the neuron’s membrane.

The resting membrane potential results from an influx of calcium ions (Ca2+) into the neuron.

The resting membrane potential is primarily due to sodium ions (Na+) being more permeable than potassium ions (K+) during the resting state.

The resting membrane potential is maintained by the sodium-potassium pump actively transporting three sodium ions out for every two potassium ions in.

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