Cells in the nervous system have a potential difference of 70 mV across the cell

Question

Cells in the nervous system have a potential difference of 70 mV across the cell membrane separating the interior of the cell from the extracellular fluid. This potential difference is maintained by ion pumps that move charged ions across the membrane.

Is this an emf? Select the correct answer and explanation.Is this an emf? Select the correct answer and explanation.

No. The ion pumps cannot separate charges; thus, they cannot create a potential difference. Yes. The ion pumps can actively separate charge; thus, they can create a potential difference. Yes. The ion pumps cannot separate charges, but they still can create a potential difference. No. The ion pumps can separate charges, but they cannot create a potential difference.

Explanation / Answer

Yes. The ion pumps can actively separate charge; thus, they can create a potential difference.

Ionic pumps can seperate electric charge creating a potential difference across the membrane.Ionic channels provide a way for currents to flow across the membrane changin the potential.

Two ions are responsible: sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). An unequal distribution of these two ions occurs on the two sides of a nerve cell membrane because carriers actively transport these two ions: sodium from the inside to the outside and potassium from the outside to the inside. As a result there is a higher concentration of sodium on the outside than the inside and a higher concentration of potassium on the inside than the outside which causes potential difference.

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