The "threshold" potential of a membrane
A)is the point of separation from a living from a dead neuron.
B)is the lowest frequency of action potentials a neuron can produce.
C)is the minimum hyperpolarization needed to prevent the occurrence of action potentials.
D)is the minimum depolarization needed to operate the voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels.
E)is the peak amount of depolarization seen in an action potential.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "threshold" potential of a membrane is the minimum depolarization needed to operate the voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels, which are responsible for generating an action potential. Once this threshold is reached, the channels open and allow the rapid influx of positively charged ions, leading to depolarization and the initiation of an action potential.

The "Threshold" Potential of a Membrane