Question

The resting membrane potential in animal cells depends largely on nongated ____ channels.

A. Ca2+
B. H+
C. K+
D. Na+

Answer 1

The resting membrane potential in animal cells depends largely on nongated K+ channels. At the resting potential, all voltage-gated Na+ channels and most voltage-gated K+ channels are closed. The Na+/K+ transporter pumps K+ ions into the cell and Na+ ions out.

Step-by-step explanation:

The resting membrane potential in animal cells depends largely on nongated K+ channels. At the resting potential, all voltage-gated Na+ channels and most voltage-gated K+ channels are closed. The Na+/K+ transporter pumps K+ ions into the cell and Na+ ions out.

This creates a concentration gradient for Na+ ions to enter the cell, but the Na+ channels are rarely open, so Na+ remains outside the cell.