Which of the following statements concerning resting membrane potential is true?

A) The resting plasma membrane is more permeable to Na⁺ than K⁺.
B) The resting membrane potential never reaches an equilibrium point.
C) The resting membrane potential is proportional to the tendency for K⁺ to diffuse out of the cell.
D) Negatively charged Cl⁻ ions are attracted by negative charges in the cell.
E) The purpose of the sodium-potassium pump is to create an equilibrium of ion concentrations.

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Melanie Mullen · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  The resting membrane potential is largely determined by the potassium (K+) concentration gradient across the cell membrane, and the cell's permeability to K+. This gradient causes K+ to diffuse out of the cell, making the inside of the cell negatively charged relative to the outside, thus establishing the resting membrane potential.

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