Describe the factors that contribute to a membrane potential. What is the principle cation inside the cell? Outside the cell? Solution Answer: Application of stimuli changes the membrane potential that act as signals, transmitting and processing information along the neuron. The factors that contribute to membrane potential are: (a) Electrochemical gradient of the ion: Active transport of ions causes an electrical gradient to develop across the membrane. The positively charged ions are generally greater outside the cell and negatively charged ions inside the cell. This causes a net negative charge on the inside of the cell and thus a voltage difference across the membrane. This gives rise to the membrane potential. (b) Permeability of the ion: More the membrane is permeable to the ion, greater will be the influence of the equilibrium potential of that ion towards the membrane potential. The principle cation inside the cell is potassium (K+) and outside the cell is sodium (Na+)..