Understanding Action Potentials

What is the primary purpose of the falling ruler experiment?

• To calculate reaction time

• To measure the speed of light

• To assess memory retention

• To test muscle strength

What is the main function of the sodium-potassium pump in cells?

• To generate electrical signals

• To maintain resting membrane potential

• To produce ATP

• To transport oxygen

How does the sodium-potassium pump contribute to the resting membrane potential?

• By only moving sodium ions

• By moving equal amounts of sodium and potassium ions

• By moving more sodium ions out than potassium ions in

• By moving more potassium ions out than sodium ions in

What does it mean when a cell is depolarized?

• The cell becomes less polarized compared to its surroundings

• The cell becomes more negatively charged

• The cell becomes impermeable to ions

• The cell stops all ion movement

What triggers an action potential in a neuron?

• A change in pH

• An increase in pressure

• A threshold level of depolarization

• A decrease in temperature

Which type of ion channel opens in response to a specific voltage change?

• Ligand-gated ion channels

• Mechanically-gated ion channels

• Voltage-gated ion channels

• Leak channels

What is the role of ligand-gated ion channels in action potentials?

• They open in response to mechanical stimuli

• They open in response to specific voltage changes

• They open when a ligand binds to them

• They allow passive ion movement

What is the refractory period in the context of action potentials?

• A period when the neuron is hyperactive

• A period when the neuron is inactive

• A period when the neuron cannot be restimulated

• A period when the neuron can fire continuously

How do action potentials propagate along a neuron?

• By jumping from one neuron to another

• By traveling along the axon

• By moving through the cell body

• By diffusing through the synapse

What is the significance of myelin in neurons?

• It generates action potentials

• It prevents ion movement

• It insulates neurons and speeds up action potential propagation

• It slows down action potential propagation