Purchase Solution

Action Potential and Ion Regulation

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Describe the events that must occur to generate an action potential. Indicate how the ionic gates are controlled, explain why the action potential is an all-or-none phenomenon.

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This response examines the concept of an all or none action potential. Regulation of ions during resting potential, action potential and restoration of membrane potential is discussed.

Solution Preview

Describe the events that must occur to generate an action potential. Indicate how the ionic gates are controlled, explain why the action potential is an all-or-none phenomenon.

Defining terms:
Depoliarization- reduced potential
Hyperpolarization- increased potential
Repolarization- return to the potential
Na- Sodium
K- Potassium
ATPase- protein complex that uses ATP to function
Channel- protein that allows ions to flow in or out of a cell. Ions flow based upon ion concentration gradient (from high to low concentration). This does not use energy or ATP.

First, let us talk about why an action potential is all or none and then we will discuss the details.

A stimulus signals to a neuron in electrical form. This electrical conductance results from changes in ion gradients. A neuron's resting potential is usually around -70 millivolts.
1) Stimulus inputs lead to depolarization of the neuron. However, a neuron does not commit to depolarization ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
The Heart

This quiz test the understanding of the heart and some of its parts. It is important to understand how the heart functions and what makes it function.

Creating a Birth Plan

Preparing for a birth and want to make sure that you're including all the right information? Use this quiz to get on the right track and check your birth plan knowledge!

The Plant Body

This quiz will test your knowledge of the anatomy of a common plant.

How Much Do You Know About Genetic Inheritance?

Most of us studied the basics of dominant and recessive genes at some point. However, genetics are much more complicated than this. How far beyond the basics does your knowledge go?

Birth 101

Do you know about childbirth? Find out with this quiz.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • EPSPs and IPSPs

    How are graded potentials created, and how are they different from action potentials? 3. Discuss the ion channels that are involved in the generation of an action potential. 4.

  • Describe the physiology of depolarization and repolarization.

    This sequential opening and closing of Na+ and K+ channels and the resulting depolarization and repolarization of the membrane in a local area is called an action potential. The action potential travels down a nerve axon unidirectionally.

  • Process of Neurotransmitter Release

    Action Potential Above, I have explained how the difference of concentration of the ions of sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium inside the cell and outside the cell, via the functions of metabolic ion pumps and membrane-embedded ion channels.

  • Myelin for action potential propagation.

    Action potentials in neurons rely on ion channels along the membrane of the neuron (both soma and axon) which allow certain ions to flow in or out.

  • initiation and propagation of an action potential

    486856 Initiation and Propagation of an Action potential Explain, in a sequential fashion, beginning with the motor neuron, the steps involved in the initiation and propagation of an action potential, including all neurotransmitters and ions involved

  • Factors Affecting Action Potentials

    This causes the inside of the cell to become more positive, and hence the effect is depolarizing. If enough of this occurs, the membrane potential will reach threshold and trigger an action potential.

  • Anatomical features of the neuron

    Sodium/potassium ATP pump helps re-establish the sodium and potassium ion concentrations inside and outside the neuron. Propagation of an Action Potential. An action potential travels away from its point of origin.

  • the AP is an all-or-none phenomenon

    106339 Action Potential Generation This job describes the events that must occur to generate an action potential (AP).

  • Affects of calcium, potassium and sodium on heart rate

    and prolonging the action potential.

View More Related Solutions