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

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When evaluating statements about the resting membrane potential (RMP), it's useful to recall what determines RMP.
Option a: 'The inside of the membrane is positively charged compared to the outside.' This is incorrect because the inside of most resting membranes is negatively charged relative to the outside, giving a negative RMP typically around -70 mV.
Option b: 'RMP is maintained by movement of ions through voltage-gated channels.' While voltage-gated channels are essential for action potentials, the resting potential is largely set by non-gated (leak) channels and the Na+/K+ pump, not primarily by voltage-gated channels. This makes the statement misleading for the resting state.
Option c: 'RMP does not rely on activity of the sodium/potassium (Na+/K+) pump.' In reality, the Na+/K+ pump helps establish and maintain ionic gradients that contribute to the resting potential, even though the pump operates indirectly. Saying it does not rely on the pump is incorrect.
Option d: 'RMP is influenced by sodium and potassium ion movement through leak channels.' This is accurate because leak (non-gated) channels for Na+ and K+ allow a steady, small flux of these ions, which establishes and maintains the negative resting potential in conjunction with the Na+/K+ pumping of ions against their gradients. The leak currents determine the asymmetry of charge across the membrane at rest.
Option e: 'RMP is normally equal to 0 mV.' This is false because the typical resting membrane potential is far from zero, usually negative (around -60 to -70 mV in many cells), not 0 mV.
Across these options, the core idea is that the resting potential arises from a balance of ionic leak currents and pumps that maintain gradients; the leak of Na+ and K+ through non-gated channels is central to setting the negative voltage we measure at rest. The other statements either contradict known physiology or oversimplify the mechanisms involved, leading to incorrect conclusions about what maintains RMP.

My LMS Subjects Assessment 1: Quiz 1

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

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