Question

Which of the following best describes the electrical state of a neuron at rest? a. The inside of a neuron is more negatively charged than the outside. b. The outside of a neuron is more negatively charged than the inside. c. The inside and the outside of a neuron have the same electric charge. d. Potassium ions leak into a neuron at rest.

Name: Problem 1, Chapter 33: Understanding Biology
Uploaded: 2021-10-08T23:11:31-08:00
Duration: 1 min 53 s
Channel: Joanna Quigley
Description: Which of the following best describes the electrical state of a neuron at rest? a. The inside of a neuron is more negatively charged than the outside. b. The outside of a neuron is more negatively charged than the inside. c. The inside and the outside of a neuron have the same electric charge. d. Potassium ions leak into a neuron at rest.

   Which of the following best describes the electrical state of a neuron at rest?
a. The inside of a neuron is more negatively charged than the outside.
b. The outside of a neuron is more negatively charged than the inside.
c. The inside and the outside of a neuron have the same electric charge.
d. Potassium ions leak into a neuron at rest.

Understanding Biology

Kenneth A. Mason,… 2nd Edition

Chapter 33, Problem 1

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Joanna Quigley

10/08/2021

Step 1

In this state, the neuron is not transmitting any signals. The neuron maintains a balance of ions, with different concentrations inside and outside the cell. Show more…

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Which of the following best describes the electrical state of a neuron at rest? a. The inside of a neuron is more negatively charged than the outside. b. The outside of a neuron is more negatively charged than the inside. c. The inside and the outside of a neuron have the same electric charge. d. Potassium ions leak into a neuron at rest.

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Key Concepts

Resting Membrane Potential

The resting membrane potential is the voltage difference across a neuron's membrane when it is not sending a signal. It is typically characterized by a more negative charge inside relative to the outside, resulting from the unequal distribution of ions across the membrane.

Ion Distribution and Electrochemical Gradients

Ions such as potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) are distributed unevenly across the neuronal membrane, creating concentration gradients and electrical gradients. This unequal distribution is essential in establishing the resting membrane potential, with potassium abundant inside and sodium outside the cell.

Ion Channels and Membrane Permeability

Selective ion channels, including leak channels, allow ions to move across the neuron's membrane according to their gradients. The permeability of the membrane to these ions, especially potassium, plays a crucial role in maintaining the negative charge inside the neuron at rest.

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