Table of contents

1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
3. Energy1h 33m
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes2h 31m
5. DNA to RNA to Protein2h 31m
6. Proteins1h 36m
7. Gene Expression1h 42m
8. Membrane Structure1h 4m
- The Lipid Bilayer
  38m
- Membrane Proteins
  25m
9. Transport Across Membranes1h 52m
10. Anerobic Respiration1h 5m
11. Aerobic Respiration1h 11m
12. Photosynthesis52m
13. Intracellular Protein Transport2h 18m
14. Cell Signaling1h 28m
15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement1h 39m
16. Cell Division3h 5m
17. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction50m
18. Cell Junctions and Tissues48m
19. Stem Cells13m
- Stem Cells
  13m
20. Cancer44m
21. The Immune System1h 6m
22. Techniques in Cell Biology1h 41m

14. Cell Signaling

Overview of Cell Surface Receptors

Cell Biology

14. Cell Signaling

Overview of Cell Surface Receptors

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the clearest example of a neuronal membrane's selective permeability?

The synthesis of proteins in the rough endoplasmic reticulum

The release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft

The presence of mitochondria near the synaptic terminal

The ability of the membrane to allow potassium ions to pass more easily than sodium ions at rest

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of selective permeability. Selective permeability refers to the ability of a membrane to allow certain molecules or ions to pass through it more easily than others, based on factors like size, charge, or specific transport mechanisms.

Step 2: Analyze the options provided. The synthesis of proteins in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, and the presence of mitochondria near the synaptic terminal are not directly related to the selective permeability of the neuronal membrane.

Step 3: Focus on the correct answer. The ability of the neuronal membrane to allow potassium ions (K⁺) to pass more easily than sodium ions (Na⁺) at rest is a clear example of selective permeability. This is due to the presence of specific ion channels, such as potassium leak channels, which are more permeable to K⁺ than Na⁺.

Step 4: Relate this to the resting membrane potential. The selective permeability of the neuronal membrane to potassium ions plays a critical role in maintaining the resting membrane potential, as the movement of K⁺ out of the cell creates a negative charge inside the neuron relative to the outside.

Step 5: Conclude by emphasizing the importance of selective permeability. This property is essential for the proper functioning of neurons, as it allows for the generation and propagation of electrical signals, which are fundamental to neuronal communication.