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Which of the following ion channels must open for a cardiac pacemaker cell to depolarize to threshold for an action potential?

A) funny channels only
B) L-type calcium channels only
C) T-type calcium channels only
D) both funny channels and L-type calcium channels
E) both funny channels and T-type calcium channels

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

Both funny channels and L-type calcium channels must open for a cardiac pacemaker cell to depolarize to threshold for an action potential.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ion channels that must open for a cardiac pacemaker cell to depolarize to threshold for an action potential are both funny channels and L-type calcium channels. Funny channels, also known as hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, allow a slow influx of sodium ions which causes the membrane potential to rise slowly. L-type calcium channels, on the other hand, allow the entry of calcium ions, further depolarizing the cell.

User Chris Blackwell
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