Question

If [K]i is greater than [K]o then the resting membrane potential is ______. If [K]o is greater than [K]i then the resting membrane potential is ______.

negative, positive

positive, positive.

negative, negative

positive, negative

Answer 1

When [K]i is greater than [K]o, the resting membrane potential is negative. When [K]o is greater than [K]i, the resting membrane potential is positive.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct completion of the statement is: If [K]i is greater than [K]o, then the resting membrane potential is negative. If [K]o is greater than [K]i, then the resting membrane potential is positive.This is based on the Nernst equation and the role of potassium ions (K+) in establishing the resting membrane potential. The Nernst equation relates the concentrations of ions on either side of the membrane to the equilibrium potential for that ion. In a typical resting neuron, potassium ions play a significant role, and if the intracellular concentration of potassium ([K]i) is greater than the extracellular concentration ([K]o), the membrane potential will be negative. Conversely, if [K]o is greater than [K]i, the resting membrane potential will be positive.