Why Are Action Potentials Usually Conducted in One Direction

question 62

Multiple Choice

Why are action potentials usually conducted in one direction?

• A) Ions can flow along the axon in only one direction.
• B) The brief refractory period prevents reopening of voltage-gated Na+ channels.
• C) The axon hillock has a higher membrane potential than the terminals of the axon.
• D) Voltage-gated channels for both Na+ and K+ open in only one direction

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Definitions:

Electron Wave

A quantum mechanical description of electrons as wave-like particles, significant in explaining the behavior of electrons in atoms and molecules.

π Bonds

Covalent chemical bonds resulting from the sidewise overlap of two atomic p orbitals, characterized by electron density above and below the axis of the bonded atoms.

π Bonds

Pi bonds occur when two lobes of an orbital on one atom overlap two lobes of an orbital on another atom and electron density is concentrated above and below the plane of the nuclei.

Molecular Orbital

A region of space in a molecule where an electron is likely to be found, formed by the overlap of atomic orbitals from bonded atoms.