[Campbell Biology P.1119] Which of the following statements about the resting potential of a ... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements about the resting potential of a neuron is FALSE?

  • A: The Na+/K+ pump actively transports 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ into the cell.
  • B: At rest, K+ concentration is higher inside the cell, while Na+ concentration is higher outside.
  • C: The membrane is much more permeable to Na+ than to K+ at rest, leading to a net Na+ influx.
  • D: Potassium channels that are always open (leak channels) are crucial for establishing the resting potential.

Explanation

The resting membrane potential is primarily established by the significant net outflow of K+ through always-open potassium leak channels, coupled with the action of the sodium-potassium pump. The membrane has low permeability to Na+ at rest, and Na+ influx is minimal, contributing little to the resting potential's negative charge.