Resting potential of neuron

Question

How sodium and potassium ions manage the resting potential of neuron?

Answer 1

The plasma membrane of neuron while at rest manages an electric potential difference between its internal and external surfaces. This voltage is known as resting potential. The resting potential which is around –70 mV signify that the interior is more negative as compared to the exterior. This condition is sustained through the transport of potassium and sodium ions across the plasma membrane. The membrane is permeable to the potassium ions but not to the sodium ions. While at rest, positive potassium ions exit the cell in favor of the concentration gradient as within the cell the concentration of the potassium is greater than in the extracellular space. The positive sodium ions may not however go into the cell. As positive potassium ions exit out the cell having not enough compensation of the positive ions which is entering the cell, intracellular space becomes more negative and the cell remains polarized.