Explain how applying increasing pressure to a Pacinian corpuscle produces a larger change in membrane potential.

When pressure is applied to a Pacinian corpuscle the membrane is distorted, opening the stretch-mediated Na+ channels. This then allows Na+ ions to move in down their concentration gradient which increases the membrane potential. When a larger pressure is applied more stretch-mediated Na+ channels are opened and so more Na+ ions can enter resulting in a larger positive increase in membrane potential.

MC

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the function of mitochondria in an animal cell?


Describe the similarities and differences in structure between DNA and RNA


What is the process of the virus HIV replication?


What are the different types of RNA used for during translation?