A neuron works due to a membrane potential primarily created by which ions?

A neuron works due to a membrane potential primarily created by which ions?

• A. Na+ and Ca2+
• B. K+ and Cl-
• C. Na+ and K+
• D. Ca2+ and Mg2+

Answer: (C)

A neuron generates its membrane potential primarily due to the activity of sodium ions (Na+) and potassium ions (K+). This is primarily established through the action of the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase), which actively transports Na+ out of the cell and K+ into the cell, creating a concentration gradient. This gradient is essential for the resting membrane potential of the neuron, which is typically around -70 mV. At rest, there is a higher concentration of K+ inside the neuron compared to outside, and a higher concentration of Na+ outside the neuron compared to inside. When a neuron is stimulated, voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing Na+ to rush into the cell, depolarizing the membrane and triggering an action potential. Subsequently, voltage-gated potassium channels open, allowing K+ to flow out of the cell, repolarizing the membrane and returning it to its resting state. While calcium ions (Ca2+) are important for neurotransmitter release at synapses and play a role in various signaling pathways, they do not primarily establish the resting membrane potential. Similarly, chloride ions (Cl-) and magnesium ions (Mg2+) have roles in cellular signaling and potential regulation but are not the main contributors to resting

A neuron generates its membrane potential primarily due to the activity of sodium ions (Na+) and potassium ions (K+). This is primarily established through the action of the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase), which actively transports Na+ out of the cell and K+ into the cell, creating a concentration gradient. This gradient is essential for the resting membrane potential of the neuron, which is typically around -70 mV.

At rest, there is a higher concentration of K+ inside the neuron compared to outside, and a higher concentration of Na+ outside the neuron compared to inside. When a neuron is stimulated, voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing Na+ to rush into the cell, depolarizing the membrane and triggering an action potential. Subsequently, voltage-gated potassium channels open, allowing K+ to flow out of the cell, repolarizing the membrane and returning it to its resting state.

While calcium ions (Ca2+) are important for neurotransmitter release at synapses and play a role in various signaling pathways, they do not primarily establish the resting membrane potential. Similarly, chloride ions (Cl-) and magnesium ions (Mg2+) have roles in cellular signaling and potential regulation but are not the main contributors to resting