Depolarization occurs because

A) more K + diffuse into the cell than Na + diffuse out of

B) more K + diffuse out of the cell than Na + diffuse into it

C) more Na + diffuse into the cell than K + diffuse out of it

D) more Na + diffuse out of the cell than K + diffuse into it

E) both Na + and K + diffuse into the cell

Question

Nigel Forbes

Biology

10 May, 18:37

Depolarization occurs because

A) more K + diffuse into the cell than Na + diffuse out of

B) more K + diffuse out of the cell than Na + diffuse into it

C) more Na + diffuse into the cell than K + diffuse out of it

D) more Na + diffuse out of the cell than K + diffuse into it

E) both Na + and K + diffuse into the cell

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Eliana Kemp · Answer 1

more Na + diffuse into the cell than K + diffuse out of it

Explanation:

When a nerve cell is stimulated, the electrical properties of the membrane are momentarily reversed. The inside of the membrane attains a positive charge of up to + 40 millivolts, while the outside becomes negatively charged. Under these conditions the membrane is said to be depolarized.