Contrast sensory transduction in hair cells with sensory transduction in olfaction. Which of the following is a true statement?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In hair cells, the ion responsible for depolarization is potassium (K+), not sodium (Na+), as it is in many other sensory systems including olfaction. While repolarization in many cells involves the active pumping of cations out of the cell, the mechanisms and specific ions involved can differ between systems. In hair cells, potassium flows into the cell due to a unique electrochemical gradient, whereas in olfactory cells, the initial ion movement involves sodium and other ions, not potassium flowing in and then out as the primary event.

Contrast Sensory Transduction in Hair Cells with Sensory Transduction in Olfaction