The effect of changes in gK+ on Action Potentials: -How is the Time of repolariz

Question

The effect of changes in gK+ on Action Potentials:

-How is the Time of repolarization related to the slope of the repolarization phase? What does this change in the Time of repolarization mean for the length of the entire action potential?

-Why does increasing gK+ alter the time of repolarization and slope in the direction it does (hint: What is happening at the cellular level; What is the relationship between gK+ and IK+)?

-There are drugs that act as selective blockers to voltage-gated K+ channels. What will happen to excitable cell signaling rates in patients exposed to these drugs, explain your answer?

Explanation / Answer

Repolarization is the phase in which the membrane potential becomes negative gradually for the purpose of getting ready for receiving the next action potential.

As the membrane potential becomes negative upto -60mV due to K+ efflux from the cell, occurs progressively that makes the repolarization phase. If time duration of repolarization prolonged the rate of repolarization decreases.

Change in the time of repolarization definitely affects the length of entire Action potential.

If the repolarization time is more the action potential length also increases. As the repolarization time increases the refractory period time increases, so it delays repolarization and next action potential.

Repolarization occurs with gK+ efflux from cell makes the cell more negative. So increased gK+ alters the action potential. The cellular level of K+ decreases.

If the patient receive the K+ blocker it blocks the movement of K+ out of cell for repolarization. So that the action potential will be prolonged or blocked.

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