A change in membrane potential from -60 mV to -70 mV suggests the cell is undergoing which process?

The change in membrane potential from -60 mV to -70 mV indicates hyperpolarization. Hyperpolarization occurs when the inside of the cell becomes more negative compared to the outside. In this case, as the cell's membrane potential moves further away from the threshold for action potential generation (which is typically around -55 mV), it suggests that the cell is becoming less excitable.

To understand this process, it's important to note that during hyperpolarization, the efflux of potassium ions (K+) or the influx of chloride ions (Cl-) can contribute to this increase in negativity within the cell. This results in a greater distance from the threshold needed to trigger an action potential, thus making it less likely for the neuron to fire.

In contrast, depolarization would involve a change from a more negative to a less negative or even positive membrane potential, while repolarization refers to the membrane returning to its resting potential after depolarization. The term "resting potential maintenance" refers to the stability of the resting membrane potential, which is not accurately represented by the change described in this question. Thus, the cell is indeed undergoing hyperpolarization as its membrane potential shifts from -60 mV to -70 mV