Which ion is primarily responsible for depolarization during an action potential

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

Which ion is primarily responsible for depolarization during an action potential? (2023)

Step 1: Understand what an action potential is. It is a rapid change in the electrical charge of a neuron.
Step 2: Know that neurons have a resting membrane potential, which is usually negative.
Step 3: During depolarization, the neuron needs to become less negative or more positive.
Step 4: Identify the ion that causes this change. It is sodium ions (Na+).
Step 5: When the neuron is stimulated, sodium channels open.
Step 6: Sodium ions (Na+) rush into the neuron through these open channels.
Step 7: The influx of sodium ions makes the inside of the neuron more positive.
Step 8: This change in charge is what we call depolarization.

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