Question

in a neuron, the opening of sodium gates typically leads to ____________. multiple choice repolarization of the plasma membrane hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane depolarization of the plasma membrane drifting of plasma membrane voltage toward a more negative value plasma membrane voltage returning to the resting membrane potential

Explanation:

When sodium - gated channels open in a neuron, sodium ions ($Na^+$) rush into the cell. Since sodium ions are positively charged, the inside of the neuron becomes more positive relative to the outside. This change from the resting membrane potential (where the inside is more negative) to a less - negative or positive state is called depolarization of the plasma membrane. Repolarization is the return to the resting state after depolarization, hyperpolarization makes the inside of the cell more negative than the resting state, and drifting toward a more negative value is not what happens when sodium channels open. Returning to the resting membrane potential occurs after repolarization.

Answer:

depolarization of the plasma membrane