Tetraethylammonium (TEA) is a potent neurotoxin that results in death from respiratory failure within 10 to 30 minutes. When a neuron is incubated with TEA, researchers observed that action potentials could be generated, but the membrane potential remained positive and never returned to the resting membrane potential. What channel is TEA likely acting on?
A) voltage-gated sodium channels
B) voltage-gated potassium channels
C) sodium potassium pumps
D) chloride channels

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that action potentials can still be generated, but the membrane potential never returns to the resting membrane potential, suggests that TEA is blocking voltage-gated potassium channels. These channels play a critical role in repolarizing the membrane potential after an action potential. By blocking these channels, the membrane potential remains positive and cannot return to its resting state.

Tetraethylammonium (TEA) Is a Potent Neurotoxin That Results in Death