Questions: What is occurring in the area between #2 and #3? Potassium ions are entering the axon and causing depolarization. Chemically gated sodium channels are open and sodium is diffusing into the axon. Repolarization of the axon due to sodium ions leaving the axon is occurring. An excitatory graded potential is occurring. Sodium ions are entering the axon and causing depolarization.

What is occurring in the area between #2 and #3? Potassium ions are entering the axon and causing depolarization. Chemically gated sodium channels are open and sodium is diffusing into the axon. Repolarization of the axon due to sodium ions leaving the axon is occurring. An excitatory graded potential is occurring. Sodium ions are entering the axon and causing depolarization.
Transcript text: Figure 12-2 The Nerve Action Potential Use Figure 12-2 to answer the following questions: What is occurring in the area between \#2 and \#3? Potassium ions are entering the axon and causing depolarization. Chemically gated sodium channels are open and sodium is diffusing into the axon. Repolarization of the axon due to sodium ions leaving the axon is occurring. An excitatory graded potential is occurring. Sodium ions are entering the axon and causing depolarization.
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Solution

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Solution Steps

Step 1: Analyze the graph

The graph shows the transmembrane potential of a neuron over time. The x-axis represents time in milliseconds (msec), and the y-axis represents the membrane potential in millivolts (mV). The points marked #1 to #4 represent different stages of the action potential.

Step 2: Identify the relevant portion of the graph

The question asks what is occurring between points #2 and #3. This is the period of rapidly rising membrane potential, heading towards the peak.

Step 3: Determine the physiological process

The rapid increase in membrane potential from #2 to #3 is called depolarization. This occurs because voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing a large influx of sodium ions (Na+) into the neuron. This influx of positive charge makes the inside of the neuron more positive.

Final Answer: The correct answer is: Sodium ions are entering the axon and causing depolarization.

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