Neuronal communication

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Question 5
Easy

The graph below shows the changes in membrane potential during the propagation of an action potential along an axon.

Action potential curve with labeled points W, X, Y, and Z

Which of the following statements regarding the movement of ions and the state of membrane channels at points W, X, Y, or Z is not correct?

At point W, the resting membrane potential is maintained primarily by the active transport of 3 Na+3\ \text{Na}^+3 Na+ ions out of the axon for every 2 K+2\ \text{K}^+2 K+ ions transported in, alongside the passive leakage of K+\text{K}^+K+ ions.

At point X, voltage-gated Na+\text{Na}^+Na+ channels are open, allowing a rapid influx of Na+\text{Na}^+Na+ ions into the axoplasm down their electrochemical gradient by facilitated diffusion.

At point Y, the voltage-gated Na+\text{Na}^+Na+ channels close and voltage-gated K+\text{K}^+K+ channels open, initiating the repolarisation of the membrane as K+\text{K}^+K+ ions diffuse out of the axon.

At point Z, the membrane is hyperpolarised because the sodium-potassium pump actively transports excess K+\text{K}^+K+ ions out of the axon, making the inside more negative relative to the outside.

Neuronal communication Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Biology
  3. /Neuronal communication