Concept explainers
What happens when a resting neuron's membrane depolarizes?
- A. There is a net diffusion of Na+ out of the cell.
- B. The equilibrium potential for K+ (EK) becomes more positive.
- C. The neuron’s membrane voltage becomes more positive.
- D. The cell’s inside is more negative than the outside.

Introduction:
In neuronal signaling, the ions have an important role. Like rest of the cells, the ions are also unequally distributed in the neurons. They are distributed unequally between the surrounding fluid and the cells interior region. Thus, membrane potential means the difference in voltage or charge across a plasma membrane. In case of the resting nerve; the one that does not send signals, the membrane potential is known as the resting potential.
Answer to Problem 1TYU
Correct answer:
When the resting neuron’s membrane depolarizes, the voltage of the neuron’s membrane becomes more positive. Therefore, option (C) is correct.
Explanation of Solution
Reason for the correct statement:
Na+ (sodium) and K+ (potassium) ions are very important for forming the resting potential. When depolarization occurs, there is inflow of Na+, which makes the interior more positive.
Option (C) is given as “The neuron’s membrane voltage becomes more positive”.
“When the resting neuron’s membrane depolarizes, the voltage of the neuron’s membrane becomes more positive”, it is the right answer.
Hence, option (C) is correct.
Reasons for the incorrect statements:
Option (A) is given as “There is a net diffusion of Na+ out of the cell”.
During depolarization, the sodium ions move in the cells not outside the cells. So, it is a wrong answer.
Option (B) is given as “The equilibrium potential for K+ (Ek) becomes more positive”.
During depolarization, the equilibrium potential for K+ is negative. So, it is a wrong answer.
Option (D) is given as “The cell’s inside is more negative than the outside”.
During depolarization, the cells interior is more positive. So, it is a wrong answer.
Hence, options (A), (B), and (D) are incorrect.
When the resting neuron’s membrane depolarizes, the voltage of the neuron’s membrane becomes more positive.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 37 Solutions
Campbell Biology In Focus, Loose-leaf Edition (3rd Edition)
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
HUMAN ANATOMY
Physical Science
Genetics: From Genes to Genomes
Microbiology Fundamentals: A Clinical Approach
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (8th Edition)
- Not part of a graded assignment, from a past midtermarrow_forwardNoggin mutation: The mouse, one of the phenotypic consequences of Noggin mutationis mispatterning of the spinal cord, in the posterior region of the mouse embryo, suchthat in the hindlimb region the more ventral fates are lost, and the dorsal Pax3 domain isexpanded. (this experiment is not in the lectures).a. Hypothesis for why: What would be your hypothesis for why the ventral fatesare lost and dorsal fates expanded? Include in your answer the words notochord,BMP, SHH and either (or both of) surface ectoderm or lateral plate mesodermarrow_forwardNot part of a graded assignment, from a past midtermarrow_forward
- Explain in a flowcharts organazing the words down below: genetics Chromosomes Inheritance DNA & Genes Mutations Proteinsarrow_forwardplease helparrow_forwardWhat does the heavy dark line along collecting duct tell us about water reabsorption in this individual at this time? What does the heavy dark line along collecting duct tell us about ADH secretion in this individual at this time?arrow_forward
- Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...BiologyISBN:9781285866932Author:Lauralee SherwoodPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology 2eBiologyISBN:9781947172517Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann ClarkPublisher:OpenStax
- Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax CollegeBiology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305389892Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning




