What term describes the voltage difference across a cell membrane due to ion distribution?

The term that best describes the voltage difference across a cell membrane due to the distribution of ions is "Membrane Potential." Membrane potential is a result of the unequal distribution of ions across the cell membrane, primarily involving sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), and calcium (Ca2+) ions.

This potential arises because the membrane is selectively permeable, allowing certain ions to pass through while preventing others from doing so. The difference in the concentration of these ions inside and outside of the cell creates a voltage (or electrical potential) difference. In a resting state, this membrane potential is usually negative, which is essential for cellular functions, including the conduction of electrical impulses in neurons.

While the term "Ion Gradient" refers to the concentration difference of ions across the membrane, it does not specifically denote the voltage difference produced by this distribution. "Action Potential" and "Resting Potential" are specific types of membrane potentials. An action potential refers to a rapid change in membrane potential that occurs during neuronal signaling, while resting potential refers to the stable, negative membrane potential of a cell when it is not transmitting signals. Thus, "Membrane Potential" is the most comprehensive and accurate term describing the voltage difference across the membrane