The negative membrane potential in a resting neuron is primarily due to :___________

a. high levels of chloride ions in the cell. diffusion of potassium out of the cell.
b. a higher permeability of the membrane for potassium compared to sodium.
c. both diffusion of potassium out of the cell and a higher permeability of the membrane for potassium compared to sodium are correct.

When the membrane of the neuron is in a state of rest, the interior of the cell has a more negative charge in relation to the exterior, therefore option "c" is correct.

What is the membrane potential in a resting neuron?

It is a phenomenon that occurs when the nerve cell membrane is not altered by action potentials.

Characteristics of a resting neuron

The resting potential is determined by the concentration gradients of the ions, both inside and outside the neuron, and by the permeability of the membrane.

When a cell is at rest, the potassium channels are open, the potassium will tend to flow outwards (K ions), they are positive charges, therefore the cell interior will be negative with respect to the cell exterior.

Therefore, we can conclude that the resting potential of a membrane occurs when they are not transmitting signals.

Learn more about membrane potential in a resting neuron here: https://brainly.com/question/9742624