General & Nerve-Muscle Physiology · NEET PG Preparation Physiology
A researcher is measuring the resting membrane potential of a mammalian nerve fiber. Which of the following ions has the highest membrane permeabilit…
Practice question from General & Nerve-Muscle Physiology (NEET PG Preparation Physiology), with the correct answer and a step-by-step solution.
easy · MCQ · Q-F528C3
A researcher is measuring the resting membrane potential of a mammalian nerve fiber. Which of the following ions has the highest membrane permeability at rest and therefore contributes the most to the resting membrane potential?
- A.Sodium (Na+)
- B.Potassium (K+)Correct answer
- C.Chloride (Cl-)
- D.Calcium (Ca2+)
Solution
At rest, the neuronal membrane is much more permeable to potassium (K+) than to any other ion due to the presence of resting (leak) potassium channels. Consequently, the resting membrane potential is close to the equilibrium potential for potassium.
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