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

2893 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

A biologist has a small pond containing goldfish in her garden. On a sunny day, more pondweed is at the surface of the water but on a cloudy day, less pondweed is at the surface. Suggest an explanation for this observation


How many chromosomes dies each cell of the human body have ?


How can urine be used to detect pregnancy?


What is the role of the nucleus?


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