Question

In the resting state of neurons, diffusion due to concentration gradients, if allowed, would drive:

• A. $K$ into the cell
• B. $Na$ into the cell
• C. $Na$ out of the cell
• D. $K$ and $Na$ out of the cell

Answer 1

The correct option is B $Na$ into the cell

In the resting state of neurons, if diffusion is allowed due to concentration gradient of ions, it would lead to movement of $Na$ ions into the cell. This is because at resting state the concentration of sodium ions is lesser inside the nerve cell as compared to the outside of the cell. Similarly, the concentration of potassium ions is more on the inside of the cell than the outside. Since diffusion is movement of ions from a region of higher concentration to the region of lower contraction, $N{a}^{+}$ will move into the cell while $K^{+}$ will move out of the cell.