MCAT Biochemistry Question 38: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 38
8. Which ion channels are responsible for maintaining the resting membrane potential?
- A. Ungated channels
- B. Voltage-gated channels
- C. Ligand-gated channels
- D. No ion channels are involved in maintenance of the resting membrane potential.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The resting membrane potential is displayed by cells that are not actively involved in signal transduction. Ungated or “leak” channels permit limited free flow of ions, while the sodium–potassium pump is also active and corrects for this leakage. Ligand-gated and voltage-gated channels are involved in cell signaling and in the pacemaker potentials of certain cells, but cause deviation from—not maintenance of—the resting membrane potential.