Short Answer
The lipid bilayer acting as a capacitor and ion channels acting as resistors is the best answer.
Biophysics questions work best when you translate anatomy or instrumentation back into plain physics: pressure gradients, flow, diffusion, energy deposition, imaging contrast, and signal-to-noise.
The cell membrane is modelled as a parallel RC circuit: lipid bilayer = capacitor (~1 μF/cm²), ion channels = resistors; RC determines time constant of membrane response.
Why This Answer Is Correct
This is a Medium-level question in Biophysics & Medical Physics. The prompt is really testing whether you can connect the concept to its defining physical relationship instead of picking a nearby-but-wrong term.
Clinical wording can hide a simple physics core. Strip the scenario down to transport, force, energy, or measurement first.
Choices At A Glance
- A. The lipid bilayer acting as a capacitor and ion channels acting as resistors
- B. Only ion channel resistance
- C. Only membrane capacitance
- D. Thermal noise
When similar options appear on an exam, eliminate the ones that break the core law, use the wrong units, or confuse a definition with a consequence.
Study Next
Review the related formula library
study the medical physics track
Topic Snapshot
Topic: Biophysics & Medical Physics
Difficulty: Medium
Best next move: Re-state the governing law in your own words, then solve one more example from the same topic before moving on.