Action Potential Overview

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Questions and Answers

What occurs during an action potential in terms of membrane polarity?

The membrane maintains its resting potential throughout the process.
The inside of the membrane becomes negative while the outside becomes positive.
Both the inside and outside of the membrane become equally positive.
The inside of the membrane becomes positive and the outside becomes negative. (correct)

How many reversals of polarity are involved in an action potential?

Two reversals of polarity. (correct)
One reversal of polarity only.
Four or more reversals of polarity.
Three distinct reversals of polarity.

Which of the following ions is primarily involved in the depolarization of a membrane during an action potential?

Calcium ions (Ca²⁺)
Sodium ions (Na⁺) (correct)
Chloride ions (Cl⁻)
Potassium ions (K⁺)

What is the effect of hyperpolarization on a membrane potential?

<p>It prevents the generation of an action potential. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about membrane potential is true?

<p>Action potential is characterized by a rapid reversal of membrane polarity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Action Potential

A rapid change in the electrical potential across a cell membrane, where the inside becomes briefly positive relative to the outside.

Depolarization

The process of making the inside of a cell more positive, bringing it closer to the threshold for an action potential.

Hyperpolarization

The process of making the inside of a cell more negative, moving it further away from the threshold for an action potential.

Ion Movement

The movement of ions across a cell membrane, which creates a change in the electrical potential.

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Two Reversals of Polarity

Two distinct shifts in the electrical polarity of a cell during an action potential. First, a rapid depolarization where the inside becomes positive, followed by a repolarization where the inside returns to its negative resting state.

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