Which ion is primarily responsible for the depolarization phase of an action pot

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Question: Which ion is primarily responsible for the depolarization phase of an action potential? (2023)

Options:

Correct Answer: Sodium (Na+)

Exam Year: 2023

Solution:

Sodium ions (Na+) rush into the neuron during depolarization, causing the membrane potential to become more positive.

Which ion is primarily responsible for the depolarization phase of an action potential? (2023)

Which ion is primarily responsible for the depolarization phase of an action potential? (2023)

Step 1: Understand what an action potential is. It is a change in the electrical charge of a neuron that allows it to send signals.
Step 2: Know that the neuron has a resting membrane potential, which is negative inside compared to outside.
Step 3: During the depolarization phase, sodium ions (Na+) move into the neuron.
Step 4: This influx of sodium ions makes the inside of the neuron more positive.
Step 5: The increase in positive charge is what we call depolarization.

No concepts available.