Question

Compare the following: Resting potential and action potential

Answer 1

Hint: Various types of ions channels with selective permeability to different types of ions are located on the neural membrane. The resting potential and action potential occurs due to the difference in concentrations of certain ions across the membrane.

Complete step by step answer:

Property	Resting potential	Action potential
Definition	The electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane of a resting nerve fiber is known as resting potential.	The electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane of a nerve fiber that is conducting an impulse is known as an action potential.
Value	- 70mV	+ 30mV
The concentration of sodium ions and potassium ions	Sodium ions are greater outside the neuron than inside while potassium ions are greater inside than outside.	The sodium ions are greater inside due to the influx of sodium ions inside the membrane.
Polarity	The outer surface of the axonal membrane bears a net positive charge while the inner membrane of the axonal membrane bears a net negative charge.	The outer surface of the axonal membrane bears a net negative charge while the inner membrane of the axonal membrane bears a net positive charge.
Maintenance	The resting potential is maintained by the sodium-potassium pump.	The action potential is maintained by the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels. The voltage-gated potassium channel remains closed
Successor	The resting potential in a neuron is followed by the generation of an action potential.	The action potential is followed by depolarization to restore the resting potential.
Conduction	No nerve impulse is conducted by a resting nerve fiber.	Action potential conducts the nerve impulse that lasts about 1 millisecond.

Note:
- A nerve fiber that is not conducting an impulse is known as a resting nerve fiber.
- A resting nerve fiber makes sure that it will maintain the ionic gradient by efflux of 3 sodium ions and an influx of 2 potassium ions.
- When a stimulus is given to a site, the permeability of the membrane at the site is reversed i.e. it will become freely permeable to sodium ions.