Resting membrane potential

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The resting membrane potential is when the net flow of ions across the plasma membrane is zero. In humans this is said to be around -70mV[1].  Even resting potentials are very active as sodium and potassium ions are constantly being actively transported by the sodium-potassium pump, but some potassium ions leak back through the potassium ion leak channel.

References

  1. Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K, Walter P. (2008) Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th edition, New York: Garland Science (page 669)