Zandra is studying about the ions involved in the action potential. She records in her notes that ____.
A) the concentration of sodium remains more concentrated outside the neuron than inside even during an action potential
B) the concentration of potassium remains more concentrated outside the neuron than inside even during an action potential
C) the concentration of sodium and potassium equalize across the membrane during an action potential
D) during an action potential, the sodium channels stay open for a long period of time

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During an action potential, the concentration of sodium ions remains more concentrated outside the neuron than inside. This causes an influx of sodium ions into the neuron when sodium channels open during depolarization. The concentration of potassium ions, on the other hand, becomes more concentrated inside the neuron during an action potential as potassium channels open during repolarization to allow potassium to leave the neuron. They then return to their original concentration gradient through active transport pumps.

Zandra Is Studying About the Ions Involved in the Action