Which of the following statements about voltage-gated channel proteins is true?
A) If the membrane voltage reaches threshold potential, ions are pumped through the membrane.
B) If the membrane voltage reaches threshold potential, ions can diffuse through the membrane.
C) Ions can move through the membrane only if the overall membrane voltage stays the same.
D) Ions are pumped through the membrane in order to maintain existing membrane voltage.
E) When the gates close, membrane voltage does not change.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated channel proteins open and close in response to changes in membrane potential. When the membrane potential reaches threshold, the channels open, allowing ions to diffuse through the membrane. Ions are not actively pumped through the membrane in this process. Therefore, statement B is true. Statements A, C, D, and E are not true.

Which of the Following Statements About Voltage-Gated Channel Proteins Is