Explain how applying increasing pressure to a Pacinian corpuscle produces a larger change in membrane potential.

When pressure is applied to a Pacinian corpuscle the membrane is distorted, opening the stretch-mediated Na+ channels. This then allows Na+ ions to move in down their concentration gradient which increases the membrane potential. When a larger pressure is applied more stretch-mediated Na+ channels are opened and so more Na+ ions can enter resulting in a larger positive increase in membrane potential.

Answered by Madeleine C. Biology tutor

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