an apparatus and method for low power , single - ended sensing in a multi - port static random access memory using pre - discharged bit lines includes holding a bit line associated with the memory cell at a zero voltage potential when the memory cell is not being accessed ; releasing the bit line from being held at a zero voltage potential when the memory cell is being accessed ; charging the bit line to a first voltage potential greater in value than the zero voltage potential during an access of the memory cell , wherein charging the bit line to a first voltage potential occurs for a first predetermined period of time after access to the memory cell has begun ; and sensing the memory cell contents during an access of the memory cell , wherein sensing of the memory cell contents occurs for a second predetermined period of time after access to the memory cell has begun .