Why is the resting potential of a neuron negative?
A) because neurons send more information than they receive
B) because neurons are always depleted of the neurotransmitters they continually send
C) because the intracellular fluid has a more negative charge than the extracellular fluid
D) because the neuron is always working to maintain a concentration gradient of 0

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The resting potential of a neuron is negative because the intracellular fluid has a more negative charge than the extracellular fluid. This difference in charge is due to an unequal distribution of ions, with more negative ions, such as proteins and large organic anions, inside the neuron and more positive ions, such as sodium and potassium, outside the neuron. This difference creates an electrical potential difference across the cell membrane, with the inside of the neuron being negative relative to the outside.

Why Is the Resting Potential of a Neuron Negative