Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

45. Nervous System

Neurons and Action Potentials

General Biology

45. Nervous System

Neurons and Action Potentials

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the role of voltage-gated sodium (Na^+) channels during the initiation of an action potential in a neuron?

They close during depolarization to prevent Na^+ ions from entering the neuron.

They open to allow potassium (K^+) ions to exit the neuron, causing hyperpolarization.

They are responsible for the active transport of Na^+ and K^+ ions against their concentration gradients.

They open in response to depolarization, allowing Na^+ ions to enter the neuron and further depolarize the membrane.

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of an action potential in neurons. An action potential is a rapid change in the electrical charge across a neuron's membrane, which allows the neuron to transmit signals. It involves depolarization (making the inside of the neuron less negative) and repolarization (returning to the resting state).

Step 2: Learn about voltage-gated sodium (Na⁺) channels. These are specialized protein channels in the neuron's membrane that open or close in response to changes in membrane potential. They play a critical role in the initiation and propagation of action potentials.

Step 3: Recognize the role of Na⁺ channels during depolarization. When the membrane potential reaches a threshold level, voltage-gated Na⁺ channels open, allowing Na⁺ ions to flow into the neuron. This influx of positively charged ions further depolarizes the membrane, making it more positive.

Step 4: Differentiate the role of Na⁺ channels from other ion channels. For example, voltage-gated potassium (K⁺) channels open later during the action potential to allow K⁺ ions to exit the neuron, which helps repolarize the membrane. Na⁺ channels are specifically involved in the depolarization phase.

Step 5: Relate the correct answer to the mechanism of action. The correct answer states that voltage-gated Na⁺ channels open in response to depolarization, allowing Na⁺ ions to enter the neuron and further depolarize the membrane. This aligns with the biological process of action potential initiation.