Question

What happens when both hyperpolarize it and decrease the magnitude of the potassium equilibrium potential?

1) The cell becomes more positive
2) The cell becomes more negative
3) The cell remains unchanged
4) The cell becomes depolarized

Answer 1

The cell becomes more negative when hyperpolarization occurs and the potassium equilibrium potential decreases, because potassium ions continue to leave the cell, further increasing its internal negativity.

Step-by-step explanation:

When both hyperpolarization occurs and the magnitude of the potassium equilibrium potential decreases, the cell becomes more negative. During hyperpolarization, potassium ions (K+) continue to leave the cell, thereby increasing the internal negativity. If there is a decrease in the magnitude of the K+ equilibrium potential, it means that the difference between the resting membrane potential and the equilibrium potential is reduced. However, this doesn't reverse the direction of ion movement. K+ ions will still flow out of the cell due to the existing concentration gradient, just not as effectively. This leads to the cell interior being more negative than before the potential change, making answer 2) the cell becomes more negative, the correct option.