1. At resting membrane potential, why does a small amount of sodium leak into the cell instead of out?

2. Define depolarization and hyperpolarization and their relationship to threshold.

3. Kevin is conscious when certain neurons in his brain are active—they depolarize and undergo action potentials. Describe the process of depolarization of a neuron to threshold.

4. What does Cole mean when he says that anesthesia "inhibits the neurons?"

5. Is Cole correct when he assumes that leak potassium channels are different than voltage-gated potassium channels? Explain your answer.



Answer :

Final answer:

Depolarization, hyperpolarization, and their relation to threshold are critical in understanding neuronal activity in biology.


Explanation:

Depolarization is when the neuron's membrane potential becomes less negative, while hyperpolarization is when it becomes more negative. These changes are crucial in determining whether the neuron reaches its threshold for firing an action potential.

Depolarization to threshold involves Na+ channels opening, allowing positive ions to enter the cell and making the inside more positive. This eventually triggers the neuron to undergo an action potential.

During hyperpolarization, K+ channels open, letting K+ ions leave the cell and making the inside more negative than the resting potential, which helps in resetting the neuron's membrane potential.


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