Multiple choice

The membrane potential in a nerve cell during resting stage denotes ______.

  1. both sides negative

  2. negative inside the cell with respect to outside

  3. positive inside the cell with respect to outside

  4. both sides positive
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Membrane potentials across cell membranes are a function of the electrolyte concentrations in the intracellular and extracellular solutions and of the selective permeabilities of the ions. Membrane potential in a nerve cell during resting stage is -60 mV, which means interior of the cell is negative with respect to the exterior. During depolarisation of nerve cells, the inside becomes positive due to the influx of Na+ ions.

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