Why is it important for a neuron to maintain a membrane potential instead of allowing ions to reach equal concentrations on the two sides of the membrane?
A) The membrane potential maintains fluid balance in the cell.
B) The membrane potential allows the cell to respond to a stimulus.
C) If the ions were in equilibrium, the cell would swell and burst.
D) Maintaining equilibrium would require too much energy.
E) The cell must maintain a greater intracellular concentration of positive ions to maintain its cytoskeleton.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maintaining a membrane potential allows the neuron to respond to a stimulus, which is essential for its function in transmitting and processing information. In other words, the membrane potential enables the neuron to generate an action potential, a brief electrical signal that travels along the axon and triggers the release of neurotransmitters. If the ions were in equilibrium, there would be no potential difference to drive the action potential, and the neuron would be unable to communicate with other neurons or muscles. Therefore, maintaining a membrane potential is crucial for the proper functioning of neurons.

Why Is It Important for a Neuron to Maintain a Membrane