Question

During an action potential, activation of voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels occurs at different rates. What is the effect of this difference on ion flow across an axon membrane? During an action potential, activation of voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels occurs at different rates. What is the effect of this difference on ion flow across an axon membrane? K+ will flow into the cell first and then Na+ will flow out of the cell. Initially, Na+ flows into the cell and then K+ flows out of the cell. Sodium ions flow out of the cell, then potassium ions flow out of the cell. First, sodium ions flow into the cell, and then potassium ions flow into the cell.

Answer 1

Na+ flows into the cell and then K+ flows out of the cell

Step-by-step explanation:

When the cell is at rest potential, Na+ is more highly concentrated on the outside of the cell, and K+, on the inside of the cell. During an action potential, the plasma membrane depolarizes, Na+ channels are opened and Na+ starts flowing into the cell, in favor of its electrochemical gradient. When this happens, K+ will also be opened and K+ will start flowing outside the cell, causing the membrane potential to go back to its rest value.