How Do Cells Maintain a Membrane Potential?

💡 The Answer

• The sodium-potassium pump actively transports three Na⁺ out and two K⁺ in, creating an electrochemical gradient.
• Leak channels allow selective passive movement of ions, primarily K⁺, establishing the resting potential.
• The negative interior of the cell relative to the outside is crucial for nerve impulse conduction.
• Membrane potential also drives secondary active transport and cellular signaling processes.