When you recorded the membrane potential of a neuron, you noticed that the reading rapidly changed from -60 mV to +50 mV before returning to -60 mV again.What is a possible explanation for this event?
A) An action potential
B) A graded potential
C) Hyperpolarization
D) Ionic current flow
E) Opening of leak channels

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sudden change in membrane potential from -60 mV to +50 mV and then returning to -60 mV is indicative of an action potential, which is a rapid and brief change in membrane potential that allows for nerve impulses to be transmitted along the axon of a neuron. Graded potentials are slower, more local changes in membrane potential, hyperpolarization refers to a change in membrane potential to a more negative value, ionic current flow and opening of leak channels are processes that contribute to changes in membrane potential but do not explain the specific pattern observed in the question.

When You Recorded the Membrane Potential of a Neuron, You