You are a deep-sea explorer and discover an group of organisms new to science th

Question

You are a deep-sea explorer and discover an group of organisms new to science that you call "Sparkysia," that appears to have independently evolved a nervous system that uses calcium (Ca2+) instead of sodium (Na+) to generate action potentials in neurons, but maintains the same intracellular and extracellular concentrations of Ca2+ as animals do of Na+. What is a reasonable statement about this organism's neurons?

A.
The peak positive membrane potential during an action potential in Sparkysia would be approximate half that of an animal (i.e. ~20 mV)
B.
The peak positive membrane potential during an action potential in Sparkysia would be approximate the same as an animal (i.e. ~40 mV)
C.
The peak positive membrane potential during an action potential in Sparkysia would be greater than an animal (i.e. ~80 mV)
D.
The action potential would need to require a hyperpolarization of the membrane

Explanation / Answer

answer (A) is correct.

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