During the relative refractory period of an action potential, a larger than normal stimulus is needed to cause another action potential. This is due to the fact that ________.
A) the voltage gated potassium ion channels remain open long enough to hyperpolarize the axon membrane
B) the inactivation gates on voltage gated sodium ion channels are closed
C) the membrane is now impermeable to all ions
D) the sodium potassium pump will stop working during relative refractory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the relative refractory period, the voltage-gated potassium ion channels remain open, causing hyperpolarization of the axon membrane, which requires a larger than normal stimulus to reach the threshold for another action potential.

During the Relative Refractory Period of an Action Potential, a Larger