A cell at rest will be more likely to lose K⁺ than gain Na⁺ because the membrane has A) more K⁺ leak channels compared to Na⁺ channels B) more K⁺ voltage-gated channels compared to Na⁺ channels C) more K⁺ ligand-gated channels compared to Na⁺ channels D) more K⁺ mechanically-channels compared to Na⁺ channels

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The question states that the cell is at rest, which means that there is no stimulus causing the voltage across the membrane to change. At rest, cells are more permeable to potassium ions due to the presence of leak channels that allow potassium ions to move freely across the membrane. This means that the cell is more likely to lose potassium ions than to gain sodium ions, as there are more potassium leak channels compared to sodium channels. Therefore, option A is the best choice.

A Cell at Rest Will Be More Likely to Lose