In nerve cell signaling the action potential travels in one direction because: A

Question

In nerve cell signaling the action potential travels in one direction because:

A. the Na+/ K+ pump restores the concentrations of Na+ and K+ to their original levels.

B. the K+ leak channels allow K+ to flow out, restoring the membrane to the resting potential.

C. depolarization of the membrane causes voltage-gated K+ channels to open.

D. voltage-gated Na+ channels adopt a transitory inactive conformation after being opened.

E. voltage-gated Na+ channels spend less time in the open conformation when the membrane returns to the resting potential.

Explanation / Answer

Nerve electrical impulse only travels in one direction.
Sodium (Na+) ions flow in, potassium (K+) ions flow out, and we get an electrochemical gradient flowing down the length of the cell. Nerve impulses cannot travel in the opposite direction, because nerve cells only have neurotransmitter storage vesicles going one way, and receptors in one place. Na+/ K+ pump restores the concentrations of Na+ and K+ to their original levels.
So answer is A

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