Across a Normal Cellular Membrane, the Potential Is Maintained with a Positive

question 16

Multiple Choice

Across a normal cellular membrane, the potential is maintained with a positive charge on the outside of the cell and a negative charge on the inside of the cell. Which of the following best explains the operation of the voltage sensor in the voltage-gated sodium channel?

• A) Under resting cellular conditions, the voltage sensor is normally pulled to the inside of the cell due to its high arginine content
• B) Under resting cellular conditions, the voltage sensor is normally pulled to the outside of the cell due to its high lysine content
• C) When the membrane is depolarized, the voltage sensor moves towards the outside of the membrane, allowing opening of the activation gate
• D) Both a and c occur
• E) None of the above

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