An action potential is generated when
A) the sodium-potassium pump turns on.
B) the threshold of excitation is reached.
C) potassium flows into the cell.
D) the cell becomes hyperpolarized.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An action potential is generated when the threshold of excitation is reached, which is a certain level of depolarization that triggers the opening of voltage-gated ion channels, resulting in an influx of sodium ions and an efflux of potassium ions. The sodium-potassium pump does not directly generate an action potential, but rather maintains the correct concentration of ions inside and outside the cell. Potassium flowing into the cell or the cell becoming hyperpolarized are both mechanisms that would prevent the generation of an action potential.

An Action Potential Is Generated When