Membrane potential is functionally important because A. it is a form of stored e
ID: 3513021 • Letter: M
Question
Membrane potential is functionally important because
A. it is a form of stored energy that can be used to do work
B. it keeps ion levels within normal ranges
C. cells wouldn't be able to carry out membrane transport without it
D. it is the only way that cells can transmit information to other cells
A. it is a form of stored energy that can be used to do work
B. it keeps ion levels within normal ranges
C. cells wouldn't be able to carry out membrane transport without it
D. it is the only way that cells can transmit information to other cells
Explanation / Answer
Maintenance of the resting potential can be metabolically costly for a cell becauseof its requirement for active pumping of ions level in normal range due to leakage channels. The cost is highest when the cell function requires an especially depolarized value of membrane voltage.