Resting membrane potential:Results in high concentrations of Na+ on the outside of the cellIs maintained by the sodium/potassium ATPase pump continuously pumping Na+ into the cellResults in the outside of the cell having a -70mV polarity relative to the inside.Is the process by which cells communicate

The resting membrane potential is a fundamental aspect of cellular physiology. Here's a step-by-step explanation of the points you mentioned:

1. High concentrations of Na+ on the outside of the cell: The resting membrane potential is maintained by the difference in concentration of ions, particularly sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+), inside and outside the cell. There is a higher concentration of Na+ outside the cell compared to inside.

2. Maintained by the sodium/potassium ATPase pump: This pump plays a crucial role in maintaining the resting membrane potential. It uses energy from ATP to pump 3 Na+ ions out of the cell and 2 K+ ions into the cell. This creates a net negative charge inside the cell.

3. Results in the outside of the cell having a -70mV polarity relative to the inside: The activities of the sodium/potassium pump and other ion channels result in the inside of the cell being negatively charged relative to the outside. This difference in charge, or voltage, is typically around -70 millivolts (mV).

4. Is the process by which cells communicate: The resting membrane potential is not a process of communication itself, but it is crucial for cell communication. Changes in the membrane potential, called action potentials, are used by neurons and other cells to transmit signals. When an action potential occurs, the membrane potential rapidly rises and falls, allowing the cell to send a signal.