The Resting Potential of a Neuron is Maintained by _______

Question

The resting potential of a neuron is maintained by _______.
A) transmission of an impulse along the neuron
B) sodium-potassium pumps in the plasma membrane
C) passive ion channels
D) voltage-activated channels

Accepted Answer

Sodium-potassium pumps are responsible for maintaining the resting potential of a neuron by actively pumping out three positively charged sodium ions for every two positively charged potassium ions pumped in. This creates a concentration gradient where there are more positive ions outside of the neuron compared to inside, resulting in a negative charge on the inside of the neuron. Transmission of an impulse along the neuron, passive ion channels, and voltage-activated channels contribute to changes in the membrane potential but do not maintain the resting potential.