Practical 2: Simulation of Resting Membrane Potential and Action Potential using Metaneuron

Practical MCQ

Phospholipid Bilayer

In cell membrane, highly impermeable to ions

Ion channels

Proteins from cell membrane embedded in lipid bilayer that allow potassium to flow through membrane in response to disparity in concentrations of potassium inside and outside cell.

Threshold Potential

Critical level to which a membrane potential must be depolarized to initiate action potential (-50 and -55 mV)

Resting Potential

Action Potential

small potassium channel conductance overwhelmed by opening of Na+ channels which allow many Na+ ions into cell and brings membrane potential towards reversal potential of sodium.

Influx of Sodium

Depolarises membrane which may or may not be sufficient for it to cross threshold potential and initiate action potential

Efflux of Potassium

Hyperpolarises cell making it more negatively charged and more difficult for threshold to be crossed and action potential achieved