Before another action potential "spike" can occur
A)there must be a very brief restoration of the resting conditions in the membrane.
B)the membrane voltage must drop to zero.
C)the sodium-potassium pump must cease temporarily.
D)all of the membrane gates must be closed at the same time.
E)all of these must happen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A brief restoration of the resting conditions in the membrane, including the reestablishment of ion gradients, is necessary for the neuron to generate another action potential. This is achieved through the opening of voltage-gated potassium channels, leading to efflux of potassium ions, and the closing of voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing influx of sodium ions. This allows the membrane potential to return to its negative resting state before it can be depolarized again to generate another action potential.

Before Another Action Potential "Spike" Can Occur