NEETZoologyNeural Control and Coordination
What is the resting potential of the plasma membrane of a neuron?
Options
- AThe electrical potential difference across the resting plasma membrane when the membrane is in a polarised sta
- BThe electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane when the neuron is conducting an impulse.
- CThe electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane when the membrane is in a depolarised state.
- DThe electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane when the membrane is in a non-polarised state.
Correct answer
A. The electrical potential difference across the resting plasma membrane when the membrane is in a polarised sta
Step-by-step solution
The outer surface of the axonal membrane possesses a positive charge while its inner surface becomes negatively charged and therefore is polarised The sodium-potassium pump transports 3 Na⁺ ions outwards for 2 K⁺ ions into the cell. When a stimulus is applied at a site on the polarised membrane, the membrane at the site A becomes freely permeable to sodium ions (Na⁺), leading to an influx of Na⁺ and a reversal of the polarity at that site. The action potential of the plasma membrane of a neuron is the electrical po