Outline how neurons generate a resting potential

Neurons use a sodium potassium pump to maintain a resting potential in the body. Inside a cell normally, there are more sodium in the cell and fewer potassium outside the cell, and hence there is a negative potential within a cell, which amounts to around -70mV. In order to generate a resting potential, ATP is required to change the conformation of an inter-membrane protein, which allows 3 Sodium 2+ ions to be pumped out of the cell by active transport and 2 Potassium 1+ ions to be allowed into the cell by diffusion.

Answered by Biology tutor

7477 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in terms of the structural organization of their genetic material.


Explain the effect of inhibitors on the activity of enzymes.


Explain the need for enzymes in digestion


Define active transport.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning