Which of these correctly describes the distribution of ions...

Which of these correctly describes the distribution of ions on either side of an axon when it is not conducting a nerve impulse? a. more sodium ions ($\mathrm{Na}^{+}$) outside and fewer potassium ions ($\mathrm{K}^{+}$) inside b. $\mathrm{K}^{+}$ outside and $\mathrm{Na}^{+}$ inside c. charged proteins outside; $\mathrm{Na}^{+}$ and $\mathrm{K}^{+}$ inside d. charged proteins inside e. Both a and d are correct

Which of these correctly describes the distribution of ions on either side of an axon when it is not conducting a nerve impulse?
a. more sodium ions ($\mathrm{Na}^{+}$) outside and fewer potassium ions ($\mathrm{K}^{+}$) inside
b. $\mathrm{K}^{+}$ outside and $\mathrm{Na}^{+}$ inside
c. charged proteins outside; $\mathrm{Na}^{+}$ and $\mathrm{K}^{+}$ inside
d. charged proteins inside
e. Both a and d are correct

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Key Concepts

Resting Membrane Potential

The resting membrane potential is the electrical potential difference across the neuron's membrane when it is not actively sending a signal. This potential is mainly determined by differences in the concentrations of ions such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) across the membrane, as well as the membrane's selective permeability to these ions.

Ion Gradients

Ion gradients refer to the differences in ion concentration between the interior and exterior of a cell. In neurons, there is a higher concentration of Na+ outside the cell and a higher concentration of K+ inside the cell. These gradients are crucial for the generation and propagation of electrical signals along the axon.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

The sodium-potassium pump is an active transport mechanism that uses ATP to move Na+ ions out of the cell and K+ ions into the cell. This pump helps maintain the ion gradients that are essential for the resting membrane potential and for preparing the neuron for action potential generation.

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