An increase in the extracellular concentration of K⁺ above normal would result in A)Depolarization of resting nerve cells B)Hyperpolarization of resting nerve cells C)No change in the resting membrane potential

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

K⁺ is not a known ion or molecule, but assuming it has the ability to affect the membrane potential of a nerve cell, an increase in extracellular concentration would result in depolarization of resting nerve cells. This is because an increase in extracellular concentration of a depolarizing ion (like Na+) would move the resting membrane potential closer to the threshold for action potential generation.

An Increase in the Extracellular Concentration of K+ Above Normal

An Increase in the Extracellular Concentration of K⁺ Above Normal