Explain the steps of action potential across an axon membrane?

Resting Potential-3 Na+ out, 2 K+ in.Action potential- A stimulus is detected causing Sodium voltage gated channels to open, leading to Na+ to flow into the axon and therefor making the inside less negative.This change in charge causes more Sodium cottage gated channels to open, meaning more Na+ flows into the axon down their electrochemical gradient. The potential difference reaches +40Mv and Sodium channels close. The membrane is now more permeable to Potassium ions. K+ flow out of axon down their electrochemical gradient, leading to a less negative charge on the outside.Initially lots of K+ flow out leading to hyper-polarisation, this causes K+ channels to close and axon returns back to resting potential.

IJ
Answered by Isabelle J. Biology tutor

2601 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the difference between Humoral and Cellular adaptive immune response.


How do you get from an a base like adenine to an enzyme/protein?


What is the function of the mitochondria?


Aspartic Acid and Proline are both part of the 20 basic amino acids. Describe their similarities and differences in terms of their properties.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences