At Rest, the Na Channel

Question

At rest, the Na channel
A) Activation gates are closed and inactivation gates are open
B) Activation gates are open and inactivation gates are closed
C) Both activation and inactivation gates are closed
D) Both activation and inactivation gates are open
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

At rest, the activation gates of sodium (Na) channels are closed to prevent the influx of Na+ ions, while the inactivation gates are open, indicating that the channel could be activated if the membrane potential changes. This state ensures that the neuron remains at its resting potential until a stimulus arrives.