Outline how nerve impulses are transmitted along a nerve fibre.

1. Sodium (voltage-gated) channels open and Nadiffuse into neuron (down concentration gradient).

2. Inside of neuron becomes positive compared to the outside, so potential is reversed = depolarization.

3. Wave of depolarization moves down the membrane.

4. Potassium channels open and Kdiffuse out down the concentration gradient.

5. Inside becomes negative compared with outside, potential across membrane restored = repolarization.

6. Active transport K(into neuron) and Na(out of neuron) restores resting potential.

PW

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Briefly describe how a vaccine works.


What is cancer and what are the most common types?


Amy has cystic fibrosis which is caused by a recessive allele. Her partner is heterozygous for cystic fibrosis. What is the chance that her future child has cystic fibrosis?


What do you understand by gene cloning?