QUESTION IMAGE
Question
fill in the data chart below for the refractory period.
stage | resting potential | depolarization | repolarization | refractory period
| charge inside the cell (+ or -) | charge outside the cell (+ or -) | where are there more na+ ions? | where are there more k+ ions? | is there a net concentration gradient? | is there a net electrochemical gradient? | which channels/pumps are moving ions? | which ions are moving? which way are they moving? |
Brief Explanations
This table details key properties of neuronal membrane potential stages, based on ion distribution, gradients, and channel/pump activity:
- Resting Potential: Neurons are at a stable negative charge; Na⁺ is concentrated outside, K⁺ inside, creating chemical gradients. Na⁺/K⁺ pumps maintain this state.
- Depolarization: The membrane becomes less negative as Na⁺ rushes in via open Na⁺ channels; K⁺ channels remain closed initially.
- Repolarization: The membrane returns to a negative charge as K⁺ exits via open K⁺ channels; Na⁺ channels close.
- Refractory Period: A temporary state where the neuron cannot fire a new action potential, with K⁺ still leaving (early phase) and Na⁺ channels resetting (late phase).
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| Stage | Charge inside the cell (+ or -) | Charge outside the cell (+ or -) | Where are there more Na+ ions? | Where are there more K+ ions? | Is there a Net concentration gradient? | Is there a K+ concentration gradient? | Which channels/pumps are moving ions? | Which ions are moving? Which way are they moving? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depolarization | Becoming more + | Becoming more - | Outside the cell | Inside the cell | Yes (Na⁺ out > in) | Yes (K⁺ inside > outside) | Voltage-gated Na⁺ Channels | Na⁺ into the cell |
| Repolarization | Becoming more - | Becoming more + | Inside the cell (temporarily) | Outside the cell (temporarily) | Yes (K⁺ inside > outside) | Yes (K⁺ inside > outside) | Voltage-gated K⁺ Channels | K⁺ out of the cell |
| Refractory Period | - (hyperpolarized early) | + | Outside the cell (resets) | Inside the cell (resets) | Yes (K⁺ out > in early; Na⁺ resets) | Yes (K⁺ outside > inside early) | Voltage-gated K⁺ Channels, Na⁺/K⁺ Pump | Early: K⁺ out of cell; Late: Na⁺ out, K⁺ in (resets resting state) |