Biological Science, Books a la Carte Plus Mastering Biology with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package (6th Edition)
Biological Science, Books a la Carte Plus Mastering Biology with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package (6th Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780134296029
Author: Scott Freeman, Kim Quillin, Lizabeth Allison, Michael Black, Greg Podgorski, Emily Taylor, Jeff Carmichael
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 43, Problem 1TYK
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The pore-forming membrane proteins are referred to as ion channels, which permit the ions to cross the channel pore. Their main functions include establishing a resting membrane potential and shaping action potentials and other signals by allowing the flow of ions across the membrane.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1TYK

Correct answer:

The neurons have a significantly larger number of potassium leak channels, which facilitate the leakage of potassium ion across the membrane.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/Justification for the correct answer:

Option (b) is given as potassium ion (K+). K+ is a micronutrient that is required by almost all cell types and is also necessary for the maintenance of the electrolyte and fluid balance in the body. The sodium–potassium pump creates the potassium gradient across the cell, with the higher concentration of potassium inside the cell. Thus, the K+ ions move from a higher concentration region to a lower concentration region, in turn generating an action potential. Furthermore, this helps in achieving the negative resting potential of the cell. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Explanation for incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given as calcium ions (Ca2+). The leakage of Ca2+ ions does not occur in order to achieve the resting potential as the concentration gradient for Ca2+ ions is not created by the sodium–potassium pump. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given as sodium ions (Na+). The number of leak channels for Na+ ions is comparatively less than that for potassium ions. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given as chloride ions (Cl+). The chloride ions are present as Cl and not as Cl+. So, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the potassium ions leak across the neuron’s membrane and thereby accomplish the resting potential.

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Students have asked these similar questions
During an action potential, the inside of the cell membrane becomes more positive than the outside. Why does this happen? a. During depolarization, the sodium ions rush in and the potassium ions have not begun rushing out, making the inside more positive. b. During depolarization, the sodium ions rush in and the potassium ions have not begun rushing out, making the outside more positive. c. During depolarization, the potassium ions rush in and the sodium ions have begun rushing out, making the inside more positive. d. During depolarization, the sodium ions rush in and the potassium ions have begun rushing out, making the outside more positive.
During the rising portion of the action potential, which ions are moving across the membrane and in which direction? A. Sodium ions move out. B. Sodium ions move in. C. Both sodium and potassium ions move in. D. Potassium ions move in.
The nerve impulses always travel in one direction from dendrites to axon terminals. What prevents an action potential from travelling backward? a. Hyperpolarization of the neuron makes the membrane more positive and prevents another action potential. b. After repolarization, the refractory period occurs, where the sodium ions are found outside the cell. c. After repolarization, the reversal of ions prevents another action potential as there would not be enough sodium ions outside the cell to rush in. d. The refractory period prevents another action potential by lowering the threshold potential.
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The Cell Membrane; Author: The Organic Chemistry Tutor;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsffT7XIXbA;License: Standard youtube license