Question

Why is it important for action potentials to only be conducted in one direction? why is it important for action potentials to only be conducted in one direction?

a. the brief refractory period prevents reopening of voltage-gated na+ channels.
b. if the signal were transmitted in both directions, it would not be as efficient at transmitting information to the brain.
c. voltage-gated channels for both na+ and k+ open in only one direction.
d. the axon hillock has a higher membrane potential than the terminals of the axon?

Answer 1

Action potentials must be conducted in one direction to ensure efficient transmission of signals along neurons, enforced by the mechanism of the absolute refractory period that follows voltage-gated Na+ channel inactivation.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is important for action potentials to only be conducted in one direction because once the voltage-gated Na+ channels open and Na+ enters the cell during depolarization, the channels become inactivated at the peak of depolarization and initiate a brief period called the absolute refractory period. During this time, the channels cannot reopen, preventing the depolarization from spreading back toward the previously opened channels.

Following depolarization, K+ channels open allowing potassium to exit the cell, facilitating repolarization. Along the axon, depolarization moves like a wave towards the axon terminals, unable to reverse direction due to the refractory period. If action potentials were able to travel in both directions, it would disrupt the signal transmission efficiency and the overall polarity of the neuronal signal.

Answer 2

Think of it like an electric circuit. If electricity was going in both directions, what would happen? It wouldn't work. Answer is B