A neuron is exposed to a drug that completely blocks voltage-gated potassium channels, but has no effect on non-gated channels or the sodium-potassium pump. Which of the following describes the effect on action potential generation?
A)Threshold will never be crossed, and therefore an action potential will never be generated.
B)Repolarization will never occur after threshold is crossed and sodium will continue to flow into the neuron.
C)Repolarization will still occur, but at an inefficiently slow rate.
D)Resting potential would not be maintained, as potassium could not leak out of the neuron.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Repolarization will still occur, but at an inefficiently slow rate.Potassium channels are responsible for repolarization of the neuron. If they are blocked, repolarization will still occur, but at a slower rate because other mechanisms, such as the sodium-potassium pump, will have to compensate for the lack of potassium efflux through voltage-gated potassium channels.

A Neuron Is Exposed to a Drug That Completely Blocks