When the inside of the axon has a greater negative charge than the outside, it is safe to conclude that ____.
A) an action potential is not being generated in that part of the axon
B) the axon is depolarized
C) there is an especially large concentration of Na+ ions inside the axon
D) an action potential is being generated in that part of the axon

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the inside of the axon has a greater negative charge than the outside, it is in a polarized or resting state where an action potential is not being generated. To generate an action potential, the inside of the axon needs to become more positively charged than the outside, a process called depolarization. Choice B is incorrect because depolarization would involve a shift towards a more positive charge. Choice C is also incorrect because the concentration of Na+ ions is typically higher outside the axon than inside. Choice D is incorrect because an action potential is not being generated at this point.

When the Inside of the Axon Has a Greater Negative