What ion flux primarily contributes to repolarization following the closure of the sodium-calcium channel?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the specific ion flux that plays a critical role in the repolarization phase of a cell's action potential after the sodium-calcium channel has closed. It is seeking to identify which ion movement is predominant in this process among the options provided.
Answer
Potassium ion efflux.
The final answer is potassium ion efflux primarily contributes to repolarization following the closure of the sodium-calcium channel.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is potassium ion efflux primarily contributes to repolarization following the closure of the sodium-calcium channel.
More Information
During repolarization, potassium ions move out of the cell (efflux), helping restore the cell's resting membrane potential. This is critical to prepare the cell for the next action potential.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse depolarization and repolarization; remember that potassium efflux primarily controls repolarization.
Sources
- Repolarization - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Physiology, Action Potential - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information