After the Depolarization Phase of an Action Potential, the Resting

Question

After the depolarization phase of an action potential, the resting potential is restored by
A) the opening of sodium activation gates.
B) the opening of voltage-gated potassium channels and the closing of sodium channels.
C) a decrease in the membrane's permeability to potassium and chloride ions.
D) a brief inhibition of the sodium-potassium pump.
E) the opening of more voltage-gated sodium channels.

Accepted Answer

The opening of voltage-gated potassium channels and the closing of sodium channels restore the resting potential after the depolarization phase of an action potential. This is because potassium ions move out of the cell, while sodium ions stop entering the cell, both of which contribute to the restoration of the negative resting potential.