If the soma of a neuron became more permeable to potassium, which statement below best describes the graded potential that would be generated in the soma?
A) Potassium would leave the cell, causing the membrane to hyperpolarize.
B) Potassium is a cation; therefore, it would cause an excitatory depolarization.
C) Potassium is an inhibitory second messenger; therefore, it would cause amplification of the graded potential.
D) Potassium would reach its equilibrium potential and the voltage inside the cell would not change.
E) Potassium would enter the cell, causing the membrane to depolarize and reach threshold.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the soma of a neuron becomes more permeable to potassium, potassium ions (which are positively charged) tend to move out of the cell, following their concentration gradient. This movement of positive charge out of the cell makes the inside of the cell more negative, leading to hyperpolarization of the membrane.

If the Soma of a Neuron Became More Permeable to Potassium