Question

In the resting state of the neural membrane, diffusion due to concentration gradients, if allowed would drive

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

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Na+ into the cell

In most nerve cells, the resting membrane potential is about 60 mV, negative on the inside; the potential is due mainly to the relatively large number of open K⁺ channels in the membrane.