What Happens When a Resting Neuron's Membrane Depolarizes

Question

What happens when a resting neuron's membrane depolarizes?
A)There is a net diffusion of Na⁺ out of the cell.
B)The equilibrium potential for K⁺ (EK)becomes more positive.
C)The neuron's membrane voltage becomes more positive.
D)The neuron is less likely to generate an action potential.
E)The cell's inside is more negative than the outside.

Accepted Answer

When a resting neuron's membrane depolarizes, the neuron's membrane voltage becomes more positive. This can occur when Na⁺ ions enter the cell, making the inside of the cell more positive relative to the outside. This depolarization can lead to the generation of an action potential if it reaches the threshold level of depolarization. A net diffusion of Na⁺ into the cell occurs during depolarization, while the equilibrium potential for K⁺ (EK) becomes more negative, not more positive. The neuron may actually become more likely to generate an action potential during depolarization.