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 ions on either side of the membrane?

Answer Details

When an axon is at rest, the concentration of ions on either side of the membrane are different. The correct statement about the concentrations of ions on either side of the membrane is that there is an excess of potassium ions inside the axon and an excess of sodium ions outside. This is because the axon membrane is selectively permeable, meaning it allows certain ions to pass through while preventing others from doing so. The axon actively pumps sodium ions out and potassium ions in, which creates an imbalance in ion concentrations. This difference in ion concentrations generates a resting potential, with the inside of the axon negatively charged relative to the outside.