Neurobiology: Membrane Potential

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Questions and Answers

What unit is used to measure electrical potential?

Milliamperes

Volts (correct)

Watt-hours

Coulombs

What is the role of a voltmeter in measuring electrical potential?

It measures voltage across two points. (correct)

It measures the resistance in a circuit.

It converts AC current to DC current.

It generates electrical power.

Why do many molecules in our body fluids have electrical charges?

Due to physical movement within the cells.

Due to the presence of negative groups. (correct)

Due to the presence of positive ions only.

Due to high temperatures in the body.

What is an example of a charged substance found in body fluids?

Ions Signup and view all the answers

What are millivolts a subunit of?

Volts Signup and view all the answers

What is the resting membrane potential primarily defined as?

The charge difference across the cell membrane when the cell is at equilibrium Signup and view all the answers

Which factors contribute to the establishment of resting membrane potential?

Ion concentration gradients and permeability of the membrane Signup and view all the answers

How is the resting membrane potential typically measured?

In millivolts, using a voltmeter connected between the inside and outside of the cell Signup and view all the answers

What role do ion channels play in maintaining resting membrane potential?

They selectively permit ions to pass based on concentration gradients Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the resting membrane potential during depolarization?

It becomes less negative, moving towards zero Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between opposite charges in an electrical force?

They attract each other. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to same charges in terms of electrical force?

They repel each other. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the force between two opposite charges?

The force is attractive. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding electrical force and charge types?

Opposite charges always attract. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do opposite electrical charges affect each other?

They attract each other. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the leakage of ions across the cell membrane?

Ion channels Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the negative charge inside the cell?

Negatively charged proteins and anions Signup and view all the answers

How does the Na/K pump contribute to the resting membrane potential?

By actively transporting sodium out and potassium in Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'resting membrane potential' refer to?

The electrical charge difference between inside and outside the cell at rest Signup and view all the answers

What role do organic molecules play in resting membrane potential?

They are negatively charged and unable to cross the membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pump described?

It creates a potential difference across the membrane. Signup and view all the answers

How many Na+ ions are transported outside for every set of K+ ions moved inside?

3 Na+ for 2 K+ Signup and view all the answers

What type of charge does the pump create inside the membrane?

Net negative charge Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the charges outside the membrane as a result of the pump's function?

It becomes positively charged. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ions is moved into the cell by this pump?

K+ ions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Membrane Potential

The resting membrane potential is a difference in electrical charge across the cell membrane.
This potential is measured in volts (millivolts), which indicate the electrical force across the membrane.

Genesis of Resting Membrane Potential

The resting membrane potential is generated by three main factors:
- Ion Channels: Channels in the cell membrane allow for the leakage of ions across the membrane, contributing to the charge difference
- Na+/K+ Pump: The sodium-potassium pump actively transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, creating an electrochemical gradient. This pump moves three sodium ions out for every two potassium ions in, resulting in a net negative charge inside the cell.
- Charged Molecules: Proteins and other organic molecules inside the cell are negatively charged (anions) and cannot cross the cell membrane, contributing to the negative charge inside the cell.

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Description

Explore the concept of resting membrane potential, focusing on the electrical charge across cell membranes, measured in millivolts. This quiz covers the factors responsible for establishing this potential, including ion channels, the Na+/K+ pump, and charged molecules.