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An excitatory postsynaptic potential, a type of graded potential, occurs because of the influx of Na+ through chemically gated channels in the receptive region, or postsynaptic membrane, of a neuron. Graded potentials are generated by chemically gated channels, whereas action potentials are produced by voltage-gated channels.

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What causes the opening of sodium voltage-gated channels in the neuronal membrane?

The opening of sodium voltage-gated channels in the neuronal membrane is caused by changes in the electrical charge across the membrane, known as membrane potential. When the membrane potential reaches a certain threshold, the channels open, allowing sodium ions to flow into the neuron and generate an action potential.


Triggering of the muscle action potential occurs after?

depolarization of the cell membrane reaches a threshold level. This threshold is usually around -55mV. Once threshold is reached, voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to rapidly enter the cell and generate an action potential.


Where are the leak channels located on a neuron and how do they contribute to the resting membrane potential?

Leak channels are located on the cell membrane of a neuron. These channels allow ions, such as potassium and sodium, to passively move in and out of the cell. This movement of ions helps to establish and maintain the resting membrane potential of the neuron, which is essential for its normal functioning.


What are leak channels and how do they contribute to the resting membrane potential of a cell?

Leak channels are ion channels in the cell membrane that allow ions to passively leak in and out of the cell. They contribute to the resting membrane potential by helping maintain the negative charge inside the cell at rest. This helps establish the electrical gradient necessary for cell function.


When do voltage-gated Na channels open during an action potential?

Voltage-gated Na channels open at the beginning of an action potential when the membrane potential reaches a certain threshold level.

Related Questions

Why is the membrane potential for 3 K plus and 0 Na plus channels the same as that for 5 K plus and 0 Na plus channels?

The membrane potential is determined by the distribution of ions across the membrane and their relative permeabilities. In both cases, if there are only potassium (K⁺) channels and no sodium (Na⁺) channels, the membrane potential will primarily reflect the equilibrium potential for potassium, which is governed by the Nernst equation. Thus, whether there are 3 K⁺ channels or 5 K⁺ channels, the increased conductance from more K⁺ channels does not change the equilibrium potential for potassium, leading to the same membrane potential in both scenarios.


What causes the opening of sodium voltage-gated channels in the neuronal membrane?

The opening of sodium voltage-gated channels in the neuronal membrane is caused by changes in the electrical charge across the membrane, known as membrane potential. When the membrane potential reaches a certain threshold, the channels open, allowing sodium ions to flow into the neuron and generate an action potential.


Triggering of the muscle action potential occurs after?

depolarization of the cell membrane reaches a threshold level. This threshold is usually around -55mV. Once threshold is reached, voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to rapidly enter the cell and generate an action potential.


Which ion channels open in response to a change in membrane potential?

voltage-gated ion channels


Plasma membrane exhibits chemically gated ion channels?

Chemically gated ion channels in the plasma membrane are sensitive to specific molecules that bind to them, causing the channel to open or close. This allows for the controlled movement of ions across the membrane in response to chemical signals, regulating processes such as muscle contraction and neurotransmission.


What kind of gated channels are involved in the generation of graded potentials?

Graded potentials are generated by ligand-gated channels and mechanically-gated channels. Ligand-gated channels open in response to chemical signals, while mechanically-gated channels open in response to physical stimuli such as pressure or touch. Both types of channels allow ions to flow across the membrane, leading to changes in membrane potential.


Are ion channels carbohydrates?

Ion channels are not carbohydrates but are pore-forming membrane proteins. One of their functions is to include establishing a resting membrane potential.


Where are the leak channels located on a neuron and how do they contribute to the resting membrane potential?

Leak channels are located on the cell membrane of a neuron. These channels allow ions, such as potassium and sodium, to passively move in and out of the cell. This movement of ions helps to establish and maintain the resting membrane potential of the neuron, which is essential for its normal functioning.


Term that refers to a membrane potential of about -70 mv?

Resting membrane potential is typically around -70mV and is maintained by the activity of ion channels that allow for the passive movement of ions across the cell membrane.


What are leak channels and how do they contribute to the resting membrane potential of a cell?

Leak channels are ion channels in the cell membrane that allow ions to passively leak in and out of the cell. They contribute to the resting membrane potential by helping maintain the negative charge inside the cell at rest. This helps establish the electrical gradient necessary for cell function.


What cause the membrane potential of a neuron?

Opening or closing of ion channels at one point in the membrane produces a local change in the membrane potential, which causes electric current to flow rapidly to other points in the membrane.


How does the membrane potential affect the permeability of a neuron s cell membrane?

The membrane potential of a neuron influences its permeability by affecting the opening and closing of ion channels. When the membrane potential becomes more positive (depolarization), voltage-gated sodium channels open, increasing permeability to sodium ions and leading to an action potential. Conversely, during repolarization, potassium channels open, allowing potassium ions to flow out, which decreases permeability to sodium. Thus, changes in membrane potential directly regulate ion flow and, consequently, the neuron's excitability.