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What is the typical duration of the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels during an action potential?

A) A few milliseconds

B) Several seconds

C) Minutes

D) Continuous and indefinite

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The typical duration of the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels during an action potential is a few milliseconds, specifically around 3-5 ms before they close at the peak of the action potential.

Step-by-step explanation:

The typical duration of the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels during an action potential is a few milliseconds. the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels during an action potential is a few milliseconds, specifically around 3-5 ms before they close at the peak of the action potential.

During the depolarization phase of an action potential, these channels rapidly open to allow Na+ ions to enter the cell, which raises the membrane potential and initiates the action potential. This opening lasts approximately 3-5 ms before the sodium channels close at the peak of the action potential. Then, during repolarization, K+ channels open while the sodium channels remain closed.

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