Opening either a chemically-gated Na⁺ channel or a chemically-gated K⁺ channel during the resting potential would cause
A)an impulse to be propagated
B)a graded potential
C)an action potential
D)the membrane's potential to becomes more negative
E)threshold voltage will be reached

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Opening either a chemically-gated Na⁺ channel or a chemically-gated K⁺ channel during the resting potential would cause a change in ion concentration and a change in membrane potential. This change in membrane potential is called graded potential, which is a small change in the resting potential caused by the movement of ions across the membrane. Graded potentials can summate and lead to the initiation of an action potential, but they are not sufficient on their own to generate an impulse. Therefore, the correct answer is B, a graded potential.

Opening Either a Chemically-Gated Na⁺ Channel or a Chemically-Gated K⁺