2. The equilibrium potential for a cation is -20 mV. Which of the following stat

Question

2. The equilibrium potential for a cation is -20 mV. Which of the following statements is true when a cell is at the resting membrane potential (-70 mV)?
a. The chemical force is directed into the cell and the electrical force is directed out of the cell.
b. Both the chemical and electrical forces are directed out of the cell.
c. The chemical force is directed out of the cell and the electrical force is directed into the cell.
d. Both the chemical and electrical forces are directed into the cell.
e. There is insufficient information to answer this question.

Explanation / Answer

In this case, we see that the cell is more negatively charged than it's surroundings. The cell is more permeable to cations such as sodium and potassium ions, therefore cations will be directed into the cell. Therefore the correct answer is d, as both chemical and electrical forces flow into the cell.

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