2. Write a paragraph of 3-5 sentences answering the following questions. Your re

Question

2. Write a paragraph of 3-5 sentences answering the following questions. Your response should first answer the question and then go onto state physiological interpretation's behind your answer. Paragraphs that demonstrate complete and thorough reasoning will receive full points.

You discover a drug that prevents voltage-gated Na+ channel inactivation gates from opening when they are closed but has no effect on inactivation gates when they are open. What would happen to the action potential in a neuron exposed to this drug? Explain your answer. Assume the neuron is at resting membrane potential (e.g., -70 mV) at the time it is exposed to the drug.

Explanation / Answer

When the neuron is at resting potential (-70 mV), the positively charged sodium ions are distributed outside the cell, whereas, negatively charged ions are distributed inside the cell. At this point the drug is incorporated. Now, according to the above question, this dug prevents voltage-gated Na+ channel activation gates from opening when they are closed but has no effect on inactivation gates when they are open. So, when the neuron is at resting membrane potential, the Na+ channel gates remain closed. Now, the drug will prevent those gates to open. So, the action potential will be the membrane potential only, because, the activation gates will not open and Na ions will not enter into the cell. Thus voltage will not change.

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