As the Charge on the Membrane of a Typical Neuron

Question

As the charge on the membrane of a typical neuron approaches 0 from -70 mV, the cell is
A) only repolarizing.
B) only hyperpolarizing.
C) only depolarizing.
D) only becoming more difficult to stimulate.
E) hyperpolarizing and becoming more difficult to stimulate.

Accepted Answer

When the charge on the membrane of a typical neuron approaches 0 from -70 mV, the cell is depolarizing. This means that the membrane potential is becoming less negative and moving towards the threshold for an action potential. It is not hyperpolarizing or becoming more difficult to stimulate.