A cell's resting potential of -70 millivolts is due to the distribution of charged ____ inside and outside of a neuron.

A) pumps
B) channels
C) organelles
D) proteins and small ions
E) membranes and membrane proteins

The resting potential of a neuron occurs due to the distribution of charged proteins and small ions inside and outside of the cell. Specifically, there is a higher concentration of positively charged ions (such as potassium) inside the cell, and a higher concentration of negatively charged ions (such as chloride) outside the cell. Additionally, there are negatively charged proteins inside the cell that also contribute to the overall negative resting potential.