Question

In a resting state, sodium (Na ) is at a higher concentration outside the cell and potassium (K ) is more concentrated inside the cell. During an action potential, the sodium levels ________ inside the cell. Group of answer choices

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is: INCREASES

Explanation:

The membrane potential of a cell is defined as the difference in the electric potential between the outside and inside of the cell.

Ions such as sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) ions, have a concentration gradient across the cell membrane. In the resting state, the intracellular spaces (inside) has higher concentration of K⁺ ions and the extracellular spaces (outside) has high concentrations of Na⁺ ions.

The rapid changes in the membrane potential of a cell gives rise to the action potential.

During an action potential, the Na⁺ ions move inside the cell into the intracellular spaces, thus increasing the concentration of Na⁺ ions inside the cell.

Therefore, the sodium levels increases inside the cell, during an action potential.