During resting potential, which side is positively charged?

During resting potential, which side is positively charged?

• A. Inside
• B. Outside
• C. Both sides equally charged
• D. No charge difference

Answer: (B)

At rest, the neuron maintains an uneven distribution of ions across the membrane, with the inside becoming relatively negative and the outside more positive. This happens because the membrane is more permeable to potassium, which tends to leak out, making the interior negative, while the outside accumulates positively charged ions like sodium. The Na+/K+ pump also helps by actively moving Na+ out and K+ in, sustaining these gradients. Since the resting membrane potential is typically around -70 mV (inside negative relative to outside), the side outside is the positively charged one.

At rest, the neuron maintains an uneven distribution of ions across the membrane, with the inside becoming relatively negative and the outside more positive. This happens because the membrane is more permeable to potassium, which tends to leak out, making the interior negative, while the outside accumulates positively charged ions like sodium. The Na+/K+ pump also helps by actively moving Na+ out and K+ in, sustaining these gradients. Since the resting membrane potential is typically around -70 mV (inside negative relative to outside), the side outside is the positively charged one.