Describe how the resting state of a neurone in the body is maintained:

Na+/K+ ATP Transporters are found within the plasma membrane of a neurone. At rest, the transporters use ATP to pump 2 K+ ions into the cell for every 3 Na+ ions that are pumped out of the cell. This means there are more positive ions outside the cell, than inside the cell, which gives the plasma membrane a negative membrane potential. The membrane potential is measured in millivolts (mV). When a plasma membrane has a negative membrane potential, it is said to be 'depolarised'. In this resting, depolarised state the membrane potential is -70mV.

KG
Answered by Konrad G. Biology tutor

2862 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can natural selection and isolation lead to speciation?


Describe how muscle cells contract


Explain how an electrochemical gradient is formed in the mitochondria, and how this gradient is used to synthesise ATP.


How does Acetylcholine act on a neuronal synapse, and how is it re-uptaken?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning