Most neurons express multiple types of K+ currents, some of which are gated by v
ID: 169791 • Letter: M
Question
Most neurons express multiple types of K+ currents, some of which are gated by voltage and others by Ca2+, and these currents contribute to action potential repolarization and to repetitive firing.
a. What would you predict would be the effect on the action potential of blocking all K+ currents? You may wish to provide a sketch (in lieu of a written reply) to illustrate your answer.
b. What would you predict would be the effect on the action potential of increasing the densities of K+ channels twofold? You may wish to provide a sketch/written reply to illustrate your answer.
Explanation / Answer
A) blocking of K+ ion channel will result in increased duration of action potential, as Na+ ion channel will be active resulting in the outward flow of sodum ion making inside neagative resulting in the depolarisation of longer time.