Question

Briefly describe the roles of ion channels in generating an action potential in healthy individuals. You may use a diagram to answer the question if you wish.

Please make this detailed

Answer 1

• Ions channels are protein molecules which are found in the cell membrane
• It allows the passage of ions from in and out of the cell
• They are selective in Nature which means that they allow only certain ions to pass through them
• Action potential is generated by a type of ion channel called voltage gated ion channel

It is explained in detail with the help of a diagram:-

• When the membrane potential is at resting stage,ion channels are shut
• When the membrane potential increases to threshold voltage,ion channels open
• Depolarization of transmembrane potential
• Inward flow of sodium ions
• Change in electrochemical gradient
• Further increase in membrane potential
• More sodium channels gets opened
• Generation if -greater electric current across the membrane
• When all the sodium ion channels gets opened, potassium channels gets opened and sodium channels gets closed
• Thus results in repolarization
• Potassium ions moves out of the axon
• Change in polarity created between outside and Inside of the cell
• This results in generation of action potential

Diagram is explained below:-