Which Would Result from an Increase in the Extracellular Concentration

question 81

Multiple Choice

Which would result from an increase in the extracellular concentration of K⁺ above normal?

• A) depolarization of resting nerve cells
• B) hyperpolarization of resting nerve cells
• C) The potassium equilibrium potential of nerve cells would become more negative.
• D) The sodium equilibrium potential would become less positive.

---

Definitions:

Solvent

Liquid portion of a solution that serves to dissolve a solute.

Solution

Fluid (the solvent) that contains a dissolved solid (the solute).

Tonicity

The ability of a surrounding solution to cause a cell to gain or lose water, depending on the concentration of solutes.

Turgor Pressure

The pressure of water pushing the plasma membrane against the cell wall of a plant cell, contributing to the cell’s rigidity.