Question

which of the following is true regarding the membrane potential? at the resting membrane potential the concentration of potassium is equal to the amount of potassium on the outside. simple diffusion establishes the electrochemical gradient of potass at the resting membrane potential the electro and chemical gradie balanced. the resting membrane potential is maintained by solely by passive processes. question 33 (1 point) if cells are placed in a hypertonic solution containing a solute to which the membrane is impermeable, what could happen? the cells will swell and ultimately burst. the cells will lose water and shrink. the cells will shrink at first, but will later reach equilibrium with the solution and return to their original condition.

Explanation:

• For the first question about membrane potential: At resting membrane potential, the electrochemical gradient of potassium is such that the electrical and chemical forces balance each other. The concentration of potassium is higher inside the cell compared to outside at resting potential, so the first option is false. Simple diffusion alone doesn't establish the electrochemical gradient of potassium; active transport (sodium - potassium pump) also plays a role, so the second option is false. The resting membrane potential is maintained by both passive (ion leakage) and active (sodium - potassium pump) processes, so the fourth option is false.
• For the second question about cells in a hypertonic solution: In a hypertonic solution with an impermeable solute, water will move out of the cells by osmosis (from an area of lower solute concentration inside the cell to an area of higher solute concentration outside the cell), causing the cells to lose water and shrink.

Answer:

• First question: At the resting membrane potential the electro and chemical gradients of potassium are balanced.
• Second question: The cells will lose water and shrink.