When a neuron's membrane is at rest, the concentration gradient tends to move potassium ____ the cell and the electrical gradient tends to move it ____ the cell.
A) into; into
B) into; out of
C) out of; into
D) out of; out of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a neuron's membrane is at rest, the concentration gradient tends to move potassium ions out of the cell due to their higher concentration inside the cell. At the same time, the electrical gradient tends to move potassium ions into the cell due to the negative charge inside the cell and positive charge outside the cell. Therefore, the net effect is that potassium ions tend to move out of the cell. This is important for establishing the resting membrane potential of the neuron.

When a Neuron's Membrane Is at Rest, the Concentration Gradient