Propose a valid reason to explain why is it critical that the K⁺ channel activation gate responds slightly slower to depolarization than the Na⁺ channel activation gate. A)If both gates showed identical response times,movements of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions would cancel out each other's effects on membrane potential changes. B)If both gates showed identical response times,movements of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions would magnify each other's effects on membrane potential changes,creating dangerously large action potentials. C)It is not critical and there would be no change in action potential characteristics if this difference in response time did not exist. D)The conformational change in one gate is necessary to trigger the activation of the other.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The slower response of the potassium (K⁺) channel compared to the sodium (Na⁺) channel is crucial for the proper sequence of depolarization and repolarization during an action potential. If both channels opened simultaneously, the influx of Na+ ions and the efflux of K+ ions would occur at the same time, negating each other's effects on changing the membrane potential, which would disrupt the generation of action potentials.

Propose a Valid Reason to Explain Why Is It Critical