Question

In the resting state of the neural membrane, diffusion due to concentration gradients, if allowed, would drive

(a) K+ into the cell

(b) K+ and Na+ out of the cell

(c) Na+ into the cell

(d) Na+ out of the cell

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) Na+ into the cell.

Explanation:

In the resting nerve fibre, the cytoplasm inside the axon has a high concentration of K+ and a low concentration of Na+ in contrast to the fluid outside the axon. Thus, if diffusion occurs. then through concentration gradient Na+ enters the fibre.