Question

The propagation of a nerve impulse is due to changes in the permeability of the nerve cell membrane that allow for a voltage difference across the membrane.

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is A True

Neurons send messages through electrical impulses called as nerve impulses. The nerve impulse is due to the changes occurring across the cell membrane. Cell membranes contain a sodium-potassium pump. The concentration of sodium and potassium ions is different across the membrane. This difference causes a voltage difference between the inside of the neuron and its surroundings. This is called as the resting membrane potential. The membrane potential is always negative inside the cell. The sodium and potassium channels in the cells are voltage-gated, meaning they can open and close depending on the voltage across the membrane. During action potential, permeability of the nerve cell membrane changes for both sodium and potassium ions. During depolarization, there is influx of sodium ions which makes inside of the cell positive. Depolarization is followed by repolarization during which the outflux of potassium ions takes place which makes inside of the cell negative. The whole process results in the propagation of a nerve impulse.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.