resting potential

Question 1

what is the resting potential

Answer 1

a resting potential is the difference between the inside and the outside of the cell when the neurone is at rest

Question 2

what is the voltage and how is it maintained

Answer 2

around -70mV and it is maintained using the potassium sodium pump
Na+ ions are pumped out of the cell through the membrane which is impermeable to sodium ions so they cant re enter
K+ ions (2) are pumped in through potassium channels
these channels open allowing K+ to mve back out down their charege gradient
the charge is now more positive outside of the cell.

Question 3

importance of the resting potential

Answer 3

essential for proper functioning of cells as it provides charge difference needed to initiate action potential

Question 4

how is a resting potential created

Answer 4

unequal distribution of ions across membrane.