When an axon is at rest, the concentration of ions on either side of the membrane are different. Which of the following is correct about the concentrations ...

When an axon is at rest, the concentration of ions on either side of the membrane are different. Which of the following is correct about the concentrations of ions on either side of the membrane?

Answer Details

The correct statement is that there is an excess of potassium ions inside the axon and an excess of sodium ions outside. When an axon is at rest, the concentration of sodium ions is higher outside the cell membrane, while the concentration of potassium ions is higher inside the cell membrane. This difference in ion concentration generates an electrochemical gradient across the membrane, which creates an electrical potential difference across the axon. This potential difference is called the resting membrane potential, and it is negative inside the axon compared to the outside. So, is partially correct, but it is the result of the difference in ion concentrations mentioned above. is incorrect because there is actually an excess of sodium ions on the outer side of the axon, not the inner side. is also incorrect because chloride ions do not play a significant role in generating the resting membrane potential, although they can influence it during action potentials. is also incorrect because calcium ions are not the primary ions involved in the resting membrane potential.