Sodium Ions and Action Potentials

Hard Unit 2: Biological Bases Neural Communication

In the study of neural communication, an important mechanism involves the movement of charged ions across a neuron's membrane. When a neuron reaches its threshold potential, voltage-gated ion channels open, allowing specific ions to flow in or out of the cell. This process is fundamental in generating action potentials, which are the electrical signals that propagate along the axon. Understanding this process is crucial for grasping how neurons communicate with one another and with the rest of the nervous system.

Which of the following statements most accurately describes the role of sodium ions in the generation of action potentials?

Sodium ions primarily prevent the initiation of action potentials by hyperpolarizing the neuron.

The influx of sodium ions into the neuron leads to depolarization, triggering action potentials.

Sodium ions are responsible for repolarizing the neuron's membrane potential after an action potential.

Sodium ions do not participate in action potential generation and are irrelevant in neuron signaling.

The efflux of sodium ions contributes to the maintenance of resting membrane potential.

Hint

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