A neuron has a resting membrane potential of -70mV. At this point, the neuron is

Question

A neuron has a resting membrane potential of -70mV. At this point, the neuron is treated with a chemical that inhibits voltage-gated potassium channels such that these channels are unable to open.

Could this neuron experience a graded potential? Why or why not?

Now imagine that the membrane potential of this neuron was brought to threshold while the voltage-gated potassium channels were inhibited (do not worry about the mechanism by which this neuron reached threshold, just assume that membrane potential reached a threshold while the potassium channels were inhibited). Would it be possible for this neuron to experience an action potential? Would this action potential be any different from an action potential observed in a neuron that was not treated with this inhibitor? Why or why not?

Explanation / Answer

Graded potential are changes in membrane potential that are confined to a relatively small region of the membrane and their magnitude is variable that us graded.It has no threshold and refractory period

It can either be depolarizing or hyperpolarizing response.

Neuron will undergo depolarizing response, depolarization set is, membrane becomes lesa negative,this localized depolarizing potential change which rises sharply and decays exponentially with time.It is due to change in membrane polarization

If membrane potential is -55mV, forces of depolarization are enough to overcome repolarization processes,this reults into generation of action potential.

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