Edexcel A-Level Biology B 9BI0
Biological Molecules
Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things
Classification and Biodiversity
Exchange and Transport
Energy for Biological Processes
Microbiology and Pathogens
Modern Genetics
Origins of Genetic Variation
Control Systems
Ecosystems
Control Systems
Resting potential and the action potential
- 7 things to know
- Papers 2 and 3
Overview
Recall questions on the resting potential, the sodium-potassium pump and potassium leak channels, threshold, depolarisation through voltage-gated sodium channels, repolarisation through potassium channels, and hyperpolarisation.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
What is the approximate resting potential of an axon, and which side of the membrane is negatively charged?
What must happen to the membrane potential for an action potential to be initiated?
What happens to voltage-gated sodium channels during repolarisation?
What type of transport does the sodium-potassium pump use, and what energy source does it require?
What type of ion channels open during the depolarisation phase of an action potential?
What happens to voltage-gated potassium channels during repolarisation?
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
What is the approximate resting potential of an axon, and which side of the membrane is negatively charged?
Model answer
Approximately −70 mV, with the inside of the axon being negatively charged relative to the outside.
- 2
What type of transport does the sodium-potassium pump use, and what energy source does it require?
Model answer
Active transport, requiring ATP.
- 3
How many sodium ions does the sodium-potassium pump transport out of the axon per cycle?
Model answer
3 Na⁺ ions are pumped out per cycle.
- 4
How many potassium ions does the sodium-potassium pump transport into the axon per cycle?
Model answer
2 K⁺ ions are pumped in per cycle.
- 5
What does the unequal exchange of ions by the sodium-potassium pump create across the membrane?
Model answer
It creates an electrochemical gradient across the membrane.
- 6
Why is the axon membrane more permeable to potassium ions than sodium ions at rest?
Model answer
Because potassium leak channels are open at rest, allowing K⁺ to diffuse out of the axon.
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