Question

A membrane potential that starts at -70 mV and goes to -20 mV would be:

A. Depolarized

B. Repolarized

C. Hyperpolarized

D. Superpolarized

Answer 1

(A) Depolarized

Step-by-step explanation:

Hyperpolarization is when the membrane potential becomes more negative at a particular spot on the neuron’s membrane, while depolarization is when the membrane potential becomes less negative (more positive). Depolarization and hyperpolarization occur when ion channels in the membrane open or close, altering the ability of particular types of ions to enter or exit the cell.

In this case, -70mV goes to -20mV which means that the value is coming towards positive. Thus, it is depolarised.