When a neuron is at rest, which of the following is highly concentrated outside the cell membrane?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Consider the question about ion distribution when a neuron is at rest, which ties into the resting membrane potential and the classic ion gradients that are maintained by the Na+/K+ ATPase pump and leak channels.
Option 1: GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter rather than an ion; it’s released into the synaptic cleft and acts on receptors. This choice confuses chemical signaling molecules with ionic concentrations inside and outside the cell.
Option 2: Sodium ions. This option points to Na+ ions, which are indeed kept at a high concentration outside the neuron relative to the inside. The outward-inward gradients (high outside, lower inside) contribute to the resting potential and are established partly by pumps and leak channels. This aligns with the standard model of resting-state ion distribution.
Option 3: Potassium ions. In contrast to sodium, potassium ions are much more concentrated inside the neuron than outside during rest. The outward leak of K+ helps drive the resting potential toward the negative end of the spectrum, and a higher intracellular K+ concentration is a key feature of the resting state.
Option 4: Glutamate. Like GABA, glutamate is a neurotransmitter involved in excitatory signaling. It is not described by a differential concentration across the membrane in the context of resting ionic distributions, so this choice mischaracterizes the primary resting-state gradient.
In summary, the central concept is that the resting membrane potential is established by distinct concentration gradients of ions across the membrane, notably with certain ions being more concentrated outside and others inside, while neurotransmitters themselves are not the ions responsible for these steady-state gradients.

PSYC1101.40653.202540 Exam 1- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

When a neuron is at rest, which of the following is highly concentrated outside the cell membrane?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

If a mutation caused a neuron to have twice as many open "leak" potassium channels (ungated channels) as a normal neuron, how would the resting membrane potential be affected?

Which ion is primarily responsible for the resting membrane potential in neurons?

Voltage-gated sodium channels contribute to the resting membrane potential of a cell

Which of these statements about the resting membrane potential (RMP) is true?

Which of the following describes a resting membrane? Select all that apply.

The resting potential of neurons is primarily determined by:

A neuron that is resting is considered to be____.

More Practical Tools for International Students

Homework AI Solver

Stylized Writing Assistant

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation Assistant

In-Class Translation Assistant

Class Notes Assistant

Quiz Search Assistant

Past Exam Questions by School

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler