Concept explainers
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.
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.
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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Chapter 43 Solutions
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