Questions: region question
Which portion of the action potential is due to the opening of voltage gated sodium channels?
Transcript text: region question
Which portion of the action potential is due to the opening of voltage gated sodium channels?
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Analyze the question and image
The question asks which part of the action potential graph corresponds to the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels. The image shows a typical action potential curve.
Step 2: Recall the role of sodium channels
Voltage-gated sodium channels are responsible for the rapid depolarization phase of the action potential. Their opening allows a rapid influx of sodium ions into the cell, causing the membrane potential to become positive.
Step 3: Identify the depolarization phase on the graph
The depolarization phase is the sharp upward slope of the action potential curve. It's the part where the membrane potential rapidly increases from its resting state (around -70mV) to a positive value (around +40mV). This corresponds to the yellowish highlighted section of the provided graph.
Final Answer:
The rapid upstroke or depolarization phase of the action potential is due to the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels. This is represented by the steep upward slope in the yellowish highlighted region of the provided graph.