Question

When Na+ channels are opened in an animal cell, what happens to the membrane potential?

A. It stays the same.
B. It becomes less negative.
C. It becomes more negative.

Answer 1

When Na+ channels are opened in an animal cell, the membrane potential becomes less negative due to the influx of positively charged sodium ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The opening of Na+ channels in an animal cell leads to a change in the membrane potential. Sodium ions, which are positively charged, will rush into the cell driven by the concentration gradient, causing the inside of the membrane to become less negative. This is known as depolarization, and the membrane potential moves towards zero.