Here is a hypothetical question concerning the elctrochemiccal gradients of sodi

Question

Here is a hypothetical question concerning the elctrochemiccal gradients of sodium and potassium durring an action potential. Let's assume for a moment that a given neuron is at a typical resting potential of -70 mV. The, stimuli bring the axon to the treshold potential (at for example, -65 mV), and that the sodium and potassium channels not only receive that signal (threshold) at the same time, but that theu both reacted at the same time. That is, both types of channels fully opened stimultaneously. Through which of these channels (sodium or potassium) do you think the flow of ions would initally be the greatest? Explain your answer.

Explanation / Answer

After initiation of threshold potential, the fast sodium channels will open immediately, giving rise to a sharp decrease in membrane potential (membrane potential becomes more positive, we call it as depolarization). This is because the voltage sensitivity of sodium channels. After peak depolarization, the sodium channels become closed and potassium ions move out of the cell.

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