The difference between sodium and potassium in the generation of action potential is:
A) sodium causes repolarization of the cell membrane and potassium causes depolarization of the cell membrane.
B) sodium causes unipolarization of the cell membrane and potassium causes repolarization of the cell membrane.
C) sodium causes repolarization and potassium is not required in the action potential mechanism.
D) sodium causes depolarization of the cell membrane and potassium causes repolarization of the cell membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sodium causes depolarization of the cell membrane, which means it makes the inside of the cell more positive. This initiates the action potential. Potassium, on the other hand, causes repolarization of the cell membrane, which means it makes the inside of the cell more negative again after the depolarization caused by sodium. This restores the resting potential of the cell and allows it to generate another action potential if needed.

The Difference Between Sodium and Potassium in the Generation of Action