Resting Membrane Potential

Definition

Resting membrane potential refers to the electrical charge difference across the plasma membrane of a neuron or muscle cell when it is not actively transmitting signals. This potential is typically around -70 mV, meaning the inside of the cell is more negatively charged compared to the outside. The resting membrane potential is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and preparing the cell for action potentials, which are essential for communication in the nervous system and muscle contraction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resting membrane potential is primarily established by the movement of potassium (K+) ions out of the cell and sodium (Na+) ions into the cell through selective ion permeability.
2. The sodium-potassium pump helps maintain resting membrane potential by using ATP to transport three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell, creating an electrochemical gradient.
3. Resting membrane potential is vital for excitability; it allows neurons and muscle cells to respond rapidly to stimuli when a change occurs in membrane potential.
4. Changes in resting membrane potential can lead to various physiological responses, including muscle contractions or nerve impulses, depending on whether depolarization or hyperpolarization occurs.
5. Resting membrane potential can be altered by factors such as ion concentrations, temperature, and drugs that affect ion channels or pumps.

Review Questions

• How does the movement of ions contribute to establishing and maintaining resting membrane potential?
  • The resting membrane potential is primarily determined by the differential distribution of ions across the cell membrane, particularly potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) ions. Potassium ions tend to diffuse out of the cell due to their higher concentration inside, while sodium ions are less permeable at rest but contribute to depolarization when channels open. The sodium-potassium pump plays a crucial role by actively transporting three Na+ ions out of the cell and two K+ ions into it, ensuring that the inside remains negatively charged relative to the outside, thus maintaining the resting membrane potential.
• Discuss the importance of resting membrane potential in neuronal function and how it prepares a neuron for action potentials.
  • Resting membrane potential is critical for neuronal function as it creates a baseline electrical charge that allows neurons to be ready to fire action potentials in response to stimuli. When a stimulus causes a change in the membrane's permeability, typically through opening sodium channels, depolarization occurs, and if it reaches a certain threshold, an action potential is generated. This rapid change in voltage allows for efficient signal transmission along neurons. Without a stable resting membrane potential, neurons would not be able to effectively communicate or respond to signals.
• Evaluate how alterations in resting membrane potential can impact cellular functions in both neurons and muscle cells.
  • Alterations in resting membrane potential can significantly impact cellular functions by affecting excitability and signaling. For example, if resting membrane potential becomes less negative due to increased sodium permeability (depolarization), it can lead to spontaneous action potentials in neurons or muscle cells, resulting in uncontrolled contractions or excitability. Conversely, if hyperpolarization occurs (more negative than normal), cells may become less responsive to stimuli, impairing communication in neurons or reducing contractility in muscle cells. Understanding these changes is crucial for recognizing various physiological conditions and disorders.

Related terms

Depolarization:

The process by which the membrane potential becomes less negative (or more positive) than the resting potential, often leading to an action potential.

Ion Channels: Proteins that span the cell membrane, allowing specific ions to move in and out of the cell, which is essential for establishing and maintaining resting membrane potential.

Sodium-Potassium Pump: A membrane protein that actively transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, crucial for maintaining resting membrane potential and overall cellular balance.