Neurophysiologists are studying recordings of the membrane potential from a giant squid axon. A portion of their recordings is shown on the slide below.
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The membrane is most permeable to potassium ions at which of the following points?
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The graph depicts the potential voltage changes across a cell membrane; these changes (depolarization, repolarization, hyperpolarization, and resting potential) are collectively known as the action potential. The action potential occurs due to changes in the membrane permeability to Na+ and K+ ions. The membrane potential of an excitable cell (eg, nerve and muscle) cycles through the following stages:
Educational objective:
The action potential results from changes in the membrane permeability to K+ and Na+ ions. Depolarization results from massive influx of Na+ through voltage-gated Na+ channels. Repolarization occurs due to closure of voltage-gated Na+ channels and opening of voltage-gated K+ channels. K+ ion permeance is highest during the repolarization phase of the action potential.