When a neuron is at rest
A) there are more positively charged ions inside the axon than outside it.
B) there are more negatively charged ions inside the axon than outside it.
C) there are more negatively charged ions outside the axon than inside it.
D) there are equal amounts of negatively charged ions outside the axon and inside it.
E) there are more positively charged ions outside the axon than inside it.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a neuron is at rest, there are more negatively charged ions inside the axon than outside it. This is due to the presence of proteins and negatively charged ions such as chloride (Cl-) which are trapped inside the cell membrane. The positively charged ions such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) are concentrated outside the cell membrane. This difference in concentration creates an electrical potential across the membrane known as the resting potential.

When a Neuron Is at Rest