For a neuron with an initial membrane potential of-70mV, an increase in the movement of potassium ions out of their neurons cytoplasm would result in

SYNAPTIC PHYSIOLOGY

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Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]

For a neuron with an initial membrane potential of-70mV, an increase in the movement of potassium ions out of their neuron’s cytoplasm would result in

A	replacement of potassium ions with calcium ions
B	hyperpolarization of the neuron
C	neuron switching on its sodium-potassium pump to restore the initial conditions
D	replacement of potassium ions with sodium ions

Explanation:

Detailed explanation-1: -The Sodium/Potassium Pump (ATPase) is responsible for maintaining the membrane potential at-70mv, the protein actively pumps three sodium ions out of the cell and pumps two potassium ions into the cell. The neurone becomes stimulated.

Detailed explanation-2: -The resting membrane potential of a neuron is about-70 mV (mV=millivolt)-this means that the inside of the neuron is 70 mV less than the outside. At rest, there are relatively more sodium ions outside the neuron and more potassium ions inside that neuron.

Detailed explanation-3: -If the membrane potential drops to below the normal resting state of-70mV, the neuron is hyperpolarized. Cells do not stay in a state of electrochemical neutrality because there is an uneven distribution of ions across a cell membrane.

Detailed explanation-4: -A neuron at rest is negatively charged: the inside of a cell is approximately 70 millivolts more negative than the outside (−70 mV, note that this number varies by neuron type and by species).

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