Question

How would the absolute refractory period be affected if voltage-gated sodium channels remained inactivated?

A. It would be longer than normal.

B. It would be shorter than normal.

C. It would be the same whether the channels remained inactivated or not.

D. None of the answers are correct.

Answer 1

If voltage-gated sodium channels remained inactivated, the absolute refractory period would be longer than normal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The absolute refractory period would be longer than normal if voltage-gated sodium channels remained inactivated. During the absolute refractory period, another action potential cannot be generated because the voltage-gated Na+ channel is inactivated.

The inactivation gate of the channel prevents another action potential from starting until the channel returns to its resting conformation.