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.

Answered by Konrad G. Biology tutor

1966 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the tertiary structure of a polypeptide


An extract of DNA contains 4000 base pairs. The extract is identified to contain 300 guanine bases. How many adenine bases can be found in the DNA extract?.


What are the key components of DNA replication and what are their functions?


Which of these nucleotide bases is NOT present in RNA: Cytosine, Thymine, Guanine, Adenine, Uracil


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences