What is primarily responsible for maintaining the resting membrane potential in neurons?

What is primarily responsible for maintaining the resting membrane potential in neurons?

• A. Sodium-potassium pump
• B. Calcium pump
• C. Chloride channels
• D. Magnesium channels

Answer: (A)

The sodium-potassium pump plays a crucial role in maintaining the resting membrane potential in neurons by actively transporting sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell. This pump operates through a process known as primary active transport, which requires ATP to function. Typically, for every three sodium ions that are transported out, two potassium ions are brought in, creating an electrochemical gradient. This differential distribution of ions establishes a negative charge inside the neuron relative to the outside, which is essential for the neuron to maintain its resting state. The resting membrane potential is typically around -70 mV in neurons, primarily due to the high permeability of the membrane to potassium ions. While other factors such as passive leakage of ions and other ion channels contribute to this potential, the sodium-potassium pump is fundamentally responsible for the maintenance and restoration of this resting state after action potentials occur. Its continuous operation ensures that the concentrations of sodium and potassium remain stable, thus allowing neurons to be ready for signaling when needed. Other options mentioned, like calcium and chloride channels, play roles in different aspects of neuron function but are not the primary factors in maintaining the resting membrane potential. Calcium channels are typically involved in neurotransmitter release and other signaling events, while chloride channels contribute to inhibitory signals but

The sodium-potassium pump plays a crucial role in maintaining the resting membrane potential in neurons by actively transporting sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell. This pump operates through a process known as primary active transport, which requires ATP to function. Typically, for every three sodium ions that are transported out, two potassium ions are brought in, creating an electrochemical gradient. This differential distribution of ions establishes a negative charge inside the neuron relative to the outside, which is essential for the neuron to maintain its resting state.

The resting membrane potential is typically around -70 mV in neurons, primarily due to the high permeability of the membrane to potassium ions. While other factors such as passive leakage of ions and other ion channels contribute to this potential, the sodium-potassium pump is fundamentally responsible for the maintenance and restoration of this resting state after action potentials occur. Its continuous operation ensures that the concentrations of sodium and potassium remain stable, thus allowing neurons to be ready for signaling when needed.

Other options mentioned, like calcium and chloride channels, play roles in different aspects of neuron function but are not the primary factors in maintaining the resting membrane potential. Calcium channels are typically involved in neurotransmitter release and other signaling events, while chloride channels contribute to inhibitory signals but