Question

Why does regeneration of the action potential occur in one direction, rather than in two directions?

(a) The inactivation gates of voltage-gated K+ channels close in the node, or segment, that has just fired an action potential.
(b) The inactivation gates of voltage-gated Na+ channels close in the node, or segment, that has just fired an action potential.

Answer 1

Answer: The regeneration of the action potential occurs in one direction rather than in two directions due to the inactivation gates of voltage-gated Na+ channels closing in the node or segment that has just fired an action potential (b).

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

The regeneration of the action potential occurs in one direction because the inactivation gates of voltage-gated Na+ channels close in the node that has just fired an action potential.

Step-by-step explanation:

An action potential is propagated in one direction because the inactivation gates of voltage-gated Na+ channels close in the node, or segment, that has just fired an action potential. This prevents depolarization from spreading back towards previously opened channels, ensuring that the action potential propagates towards the axon terminals.