A nerve cell membrane becomes depolarized as a result of A) calcium leaving the nerve cell. B) some ion channels being opened while others are closed. C) the relative ease with which K⁺ diffuses into the nerve cell. D) Na⁺ being prevented from passing through the membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Depolarization of a nerve cell membrane occurs when some ion channels are opened while others are closed, allowing the influx of positively charged ions such as Na+ into the cell. This results in a shift in the membrane potential towards a more positive value. Calcium leaving the cell and the ease with which other ions diffuse into the cell are not primary mechanisms of depolarization, and prevention of Na+ from passing through the membrane would actually result in hyperpolarization, not depolarization.

A Nerve Cell Membrane Becomes Depolarized as a Result of