Back To All Questions

Resting membrane potential

Q.

The figure shows part of a neuron with the following labeled:
● Sodium ion (Na+) and potassium ion (K+) concentrations (measured in mM)
● Resting membrane potential (-70 mV)
● Na+ channels (black boxes) and K+ channels (gray boxes)

The resting membrane potential of a neuron is -70 mV.  At rest a neuron has many more open K+ channels than open Na+ channels. However, at this time the rate of K+ moving out of the neuron is equal to the rate of Na+ moving into the neuron. Explain how K+ and Na+ can be moving across the membrane at the same rate if there are many more open K+ channels than open Na+ channels?

 

Resting membrane potential

Audiences:

Undergraduate

Topics:

Biology,  Flux,  Ion movement,  Neurophysiology,  Physiology

Special Instructions

We recommend that you administer these questions as homework and preface the question with these instructions for students:

"For the following question, please respond to the best of your knowledge and using only the information in the question and what you know. Please do not refer to any outside sources (textbooks, notes, internet, etc.). Any reasonable attempt to answer the question will be awarded full credit."

To administer this question:

  1. Create a text question in your learning management system
  2. Copy the text and any images for the question from this web site and paste it into your learning management system.

To analyze your data for questions with Reports Available:

  1. Login to your account on this website
  2. Return to this question
  3. Click on the link below Analyze your data for this question.
  4. Upload your spreadsheet for analysis

Background Information

Associated Publications

No Associated Publications

Question Instructions

We recommend that you administer these questions as homework and preface the question with these instructions for students:

"For the following question, please respond to the best of your knowledge and using only the information in the question and what you know. Please do not refer to any outside sources (textbooks, notes, internet, etc.). Any reasonable attempt to answer the question will be awarded full credit."

Find Questions

Upload Data

Review