An action potential does not re-stimulate the adjacent membrane that was previously depolarized because

A. stimulation is inhibited by the myelin sheath. B. it is impossible for an action potential to be propagated along an axon toward the nerve cell body. C. the resting membrane potential of the axon is too positive. D. the resting membrane potential of the axon is too negative. E. that area of the membrane is in the absolutely refractory period.

Question

Biology

Noah Young

4 December, 01:42

An action potential does not re-stimulate the adjacent membrane that was previously depolarized because

A. stimulation is inhibited by the myelin sheath. B. it is impossible for an action potential to be propagated along an axon toward the nerve cell body. C. the resting membrane potential of the axon is too positive. D. the resting membrane potential of the axon is too negative. E. that area of the membrane is in the absolutely refractory period.

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Answers (1)

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Dillan Walker · Answer 1

E. that area of the membrane is in the absolutely refractory period.

Explanation:

Refractory period is a period during which neuron cell cannot be stimulated (depolarized). This is why the action potential can only travel in one direction from the neuron body towards axon.

Refractory period occurs because of the inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels (while action potential is at its peak) which cannot be open for a certain period of time. and membrane cannot be depolarized.