When voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels open during an action potential, in which direction do the ions flow?
A)Both sodium and potassium flow from the interstitial fluid into the cytoplasm.
B)Both sodium and potassium flow from the cytoplasm to the interstitial fluid.
C)Sodium flows from the cytoplasm to the interstitial fluid and potassium flows in the opposite direction.
D)Sodium flows from the interstitial fluid to the cytoplasm and potassium flows in the opposite direction.
E)Potassium flows from the interstitial fluid to the cytoplasm and sodium flows in the opposite direction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During an action potential, voltage-gated sodium channels open first, allowing sodium ions to flow from the interstitial fluid into the cytoplasm. This depolarizes the cell and triggers the opening of voltage-gated potassium channels. Potassium ions then flow out of the cytoplasm into the interstitial fluid, repolarizing the cell. Therefore, sodium flows from the interstitial fluid to the cytoplasm and potassium flows in the opposite direction.

When Voltage-Gated Sodium and Potassium Channels Open During an Action