The interior surface of a neuron's plasma membrane at resting membrane potential will have a ________.
A) negative charge and contains more sodium than outside of the cell
B) positive charge and contains less sodium than outside of the cell
C) positive charge and contains more sodium than outside of the cell
D) negative charge and contains less sodium than outside of the cell

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The interior surface of a neuron's plasma membrane at resting membrane potential will have a negative charge and contains less sodium than outside of the cell. This is due to the fact that the neuron maintains a higher concentration of potassium ions inside the cell and a higher concentration of sodium ions outside the cell, resulting in a negative charge inside the cell. This electrical charge difference is what allows for the transmission of electrical impulses (action potentials) along the neuron.

The Interior Surface of a Neuron's Plasma Membrane at Resting