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 above

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 refers to the time during an action potential when another action potential cannot be generated because the voltage-gated sodium channels are inactivated.

If these sodium channels remained inactivated, the absolute refractory period would be longer than normal. This is because the inactivated state of the channels prevents the generation of another action potential, even with a stronger stimulus.

Therefore, the correct answer is A) It would be longer than normal.