Action Potentials Result from ________

Question

Action potentials result from ________.
A) the closing of ion channels
B) a change in the membrane potential of axons
C) the opening of calcium gates
D) neurons transporting neurotransmitters
E) All of the answers are correct.

Accepted Answer

Action potentials occur when there is a rapid, temporary change in the membrane potential of axons, which is caused by the movement of ions across the cell membrane. Specifically, the action potential involves a brief depolarization as voltage-gated sodium channels open, followed by repolarization as potassium channels open and sodium channels close. The opening and closing of ion channels is what drives the action potential, therefore, choice A and C are incorrect. While neurotransmitters play a role in transmitting signals between neurons, they are not directly involved in generating action potentials, making choice D incorrect. Hence, the correct answer is choice B.