Question

Which of the following molecules is not involved in the maintenance of the resting membrane potential?

a. potassium cations

b. ATP

c. voltage-gated ion channels

d. calcium cations

Short answer

Option d is the correct answer.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

The resting membrane potential, often known as the resting potential, is a voltage across the membrane of a dormant (non-signaling) neuron.

Ion concentration gradients across the membrane and the permeability of the membrane to each kind of ion dictate the resting potential.

The explanation for the correct answer

Calcium has got no involvement in the maintenance of the resting membrane potential.

The explanation for incorrect options

• Once the resting potential has been established, the sodium-potassium pump's functions aid in maintaining it.
• For every ATP spent, sodium potassium pumps remove three Na+ ions while bringing two K+ ions into the cell.
• The relative concentrations of different ions inside and outside the cell are regulated by voltage-gated ion channels.