Explain why the membrane potential of a resting neuron is ty

Explain why the membrane potential of a resting neuron is typically between -60 and -80 mV.

Solution

In nerve cell membranes, there is unequal distribution of ions on either side. The resulting potential is called resting membrane potential. It has a value of around -70mV.

At rest, the in.side of the neuron is negative relative to the outside.at rest, potassium ions (K⁺)can pass out through the membrane easily. Chloride(Cl^-) and sodium (Na⁺)  ions face difficulty in crossing. This is due to functioning of selective ion channels. Moreover, a pump pushes three sodium ions out of the cell for two potassium ions that it brings in. As a result, the difference in the voltage measures out to be -70mV.