Question

question 1
which of the following statements regarding the maintenance of the membrane potential is correct?
select all that apply
there are more anions in the ecf than in icf.
there are more cations in the ecf than in icf.
destruction of the lipid bilayer will disrupt the charge gradient.
there is an unequal distribution of anion and cations across the membrane.

Explanation:

1. For "There are more anions in the ECF than in ICF": Incorrect. Intracellular fluid (ICF) has more anions (e.g., proteins, phosphates) than extracellular fluid (ECF).
2. For "There are more cations in the ECF than in ICF": Correct. ECF has more \( \text{Na}^+ \) (a cation) compared to ICF's \( \text{K}^+ \) (but overall cation concentration in ECF is higher in terms of \( \text{Na}^+ \) dominance and balance with anions).
3. For "Destruction of the lipid bilayer will disrupt the charge gradient": Correct. The lipid bilayer is impermeable to most ions, and its integrity is essential for maintaining the ion (charge) gradient. If it is destroyed, ions can freely move, disrupting the gradient.
4. For "There is an unequal distribution of anion and cations across the membrane": Correct. The unequal distribution of ions (e.g., \( \text{Na}^+ \), \( \text{K}^+ \), anions like proteins) across the cell membrane is the basis for the membrane potential.

Answer:

B. There are more cations in the ECF than in ICF, C. Destruction of the lipid bilayer will disrupt the charge gradient, D. There is an unequal distribution of anion and cations across the membrane