Final answer:
When the membrane potential reaches a sufficient level (threshold is achieved), voltage-gated sodium channels open and the charge across the membrane reverses in a depolarization event. Once the charge across the membrane reãches a peak level, this electrical charge causes voltage-gated potassium channels to open (and the channels previously answered also close). Movement of ions across this now open channel drives the membrane potential to repolarize back toward the resting charge across the membrane. The sodium-potassium pump then resets the ion gradients so that the axon can again be capable of propagating an action potential (Option C).
Step-by-step explanation:
An action potential is a rapid change in membrane potential that occurs in neurons and muscle cells. The correct order of events associated with an action potential is as follows:
- When the membrane potential reaches a sufficient level (threshold is achieved), voltage-gated sodium channels open and sodium ions rush into the cell, causing depolarization.
- Once the charge across the membrane reaches a peak level, voltage-gated potassium channels open, and potassium ions begin to leave the cell, driving the membrane potential to repolarize back towards the resting potential.
- After repolarization, both the sodium and potassium channels close and the sodium-potassium pump resets the ion gradients so that the axon can be capable of propagating another action potential.
Thus, the correct order is sodium, potassium, sodium-potassium (Option C).
Your question is incomplete, but most probably your full question was
The correct order of events associated with an action potential is:
When the membrane potential reaches a sufficient level (threshold is achieved), voltage-gated _____ channels open and the charge across the membrane reverses in a depolarization event. Once the charge across the membrane reãches a peak level, this electrical charge causes voltage-gated _______ channels to open (and the channels previously answered also close). Movement of ions across this now open channel drives the membrane potential to repolarize back toward the resting charge across the membrane. The ______ pump then resets the ion gradients so that the axon can again be capable of propagating an action potential.
A. potassium, sodium, ATP synthase
B. sodium, potassium, ATP synthase
C. sodium, potassium, sodium/potassium
D, sodium, calcium, ATP synthase
E. potassium, sodium, sodium/potassium