-In Figure 7.1, if the direction of event "C" was reversed (hyperpolarization), how would this affect the ability of the postsynaptic membrane to generate an action potential?
A) Hyperpolarization will reduce the likelihood that an action potential will be generated.
B) Hyperpolarization will increase the likelihood that an action potential will be generated.
C) Hyperpolarization only occur in graded potentials.
D) Hyperpolarization only cause refractory periods.
E) Hyperpolarization will cause an equilibrium potential to be reached between the intracellular fluid and the extracellular fluid.

Question

-In Figure 7.1, if the direction of event "C" was reversed (hyperpolarization), how would this affect the ability of the postsynaptic membrane to generate an action potential?
A) Hyperpolarization will reduce the likelihood that an action potential will be generated. 
B) Hyperpolarization will increase the likelihood that an action potential will be generated. 
C) Hyperpolarization only occur in graded potentials. 
D) Hyperpolarization only cause refractory periods. 
E) Hyperpolarization will cause an equilibrium potential to be reached between the intracellular fluid and the extracellular fluid.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hyperpolarization makes the inside of the neuron more negative compared to the outside, moving the membrane potential further away from the threshold needed to trigger an action potential, thus reducing the likelihood of its generation.