How Do Leak Channels Maintain Resting Membrane Potential?
The resting membrane potential is primarily determined by the concentration gradients of ions across the cell membrane and the relative permeability of the membrane to these ions. Potassium leak channels allow K+ ions to diffuse out of the cell, moving down their concentration gradient. This outward movement of positive ions creates a negative charge inside the cell, contributing to the negative resting potential. Sodium leak channels, though less influential, allow Na+ ions to move into the cell, slightly offsetting the negative charge.
