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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0:48 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

What happens when a resting neuron's membrane depolarizes?
a. There is a net diffusion of Na⁺ out of the cell
b. The equilibrium potential for K⁺ (Eₖ) becomes more positive
c. The neuron's membrane voltage becomes more positive
d. The cell's inside is more negative than the outside

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of depolarization: Depolarization refers to the process by which the membrane potential of a neuron becomes less negative (more positive) compared to the resting potential.

Identify the resting potential: A resting neuron's membrane potential is typically around -70 mV, which means the inside of the neuron is more negative compared to the outside.

Consider the movement of ions: During depolarization, sodium ions (Na+) flow into the neuron, reducing the negative charge inside the cell and making the membrane potential more positive.

Evaluate the options: Analyze each option in the context of depolarization. Option c, 'The neuron's membrane voltage becomes more positive,' aligns with the definition of depolarization.

Conclude the correct choice: Based on the understanding of depolarization, the correct answer is option c, as depolarization results in a more positive membrane voltage.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Neuron Membrane Depolarization

Depolarization of a neuron's membrane occurs when the membrane potential becomes less negative, moving towards zero. This is typically due to the influx of sodium ions (Na+) into the cell, which reduces the difference in charge between the inside and outside of the neuron, making the inside less negative compared to the resting state.

Membrane Voltage

Membrane voltage, or membrane potential, refers to the electrical potential difference across a cell's membrane. In neurons, this voltage changes during depolarization, becoming more positive as sodium ions enter the cell. This shift is crucial for the initiation and propagation of action potentials, which are essential for nerve signal transmission.

Equilibrium Potential

The equilibrium potential is the membrane potential at which there is no net flow of a particular ion across the membrane. For potassium ions (K+), the equilibrium potential is typically negative. During depolarization, the focus is on sodium ions, and the equilibrium potential for K+ does not become more positive; rather, the overall membrane potential becomes more positive due to Na+ influx.