Question

Compare the following :
Resting potential and Action potential

Answer 1

Resting Potential	Action Potential
1. It is potential difference across the membrane when neuron is resting.	It is a potential differenceacross the membrane when the neuron is stimulated.
2. At resting potenial, a nerve fibre is not conducting an impulse. Although both the $N{a}^{+}$ and $K^{+}$ channels remained closed during resting potential, yet the membrane of the neuron is moderately permeable to $N{a}^{+}$ and quite (50 to 100 times more) permeable to $K^{+}$ and $C{l}^{-}$ ions	During action potential, the neuron membrane is more permeable to sodium due to opening of $N{a}^{+}$ channels. The $K^{+}$, channels remained closed.
3. In resting potential the interior of neuron is electronegative and the exterior is electropositive	In action potential the interior of neuron is electropositive and the exterior is electronegative potassium.
4. An active sodium potassium pump operates.	No sodium pump is operating.