BIO NMDCAT Neurons
nmdcat.online July 7, 2026

An increase in extracellular potassium concentration (hyperkalemia) affects the resting membrane potential by

A. Making the resting potential more negative
B. Making the resting potential less negative (depolarization)
C. Having no effect on the resting potential
D. Closing all potassium leak channels

📝 Explanation

Hyperkalemia reduces the concentration gradient for K⁺. As a result, less K⁺ leaves the cell through leak channels, leaving more positive charge inside and shifting the resting membrane potential toward depolarization.

📖 Additional Information

  • Making the resting potential more negative
  • Making the resting potential less negative (depolarization)
  • Having no effect on the resting potential
  • Closing all potassium leak channels

Hyperkalemia reduces the concentration gradient for K⁺. As a result, less K⁺ leaves the cell through leak channels, leaving more positive charge inside and shifting the resting membrane potential toward depolarization.

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