Question at position 20 This labeled section represents hyperpolarization and is the reason for a delay between action potentials.ADBCClear my selectionSingle choice
A
A
B
D
C
B
D
C

Question

Question at position 20 This labeled section represents hyperpolarization and is the reason for a delay between action potentials.ADBCClear my selection

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Hyperpolarization corresponds to the membrane potential becoming more negative than the resting potential, so the labeled trough below the resting line is the correct region.

1) Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- Resting membrane potential is typically around –70 mV. 
- Depolarization is the rapid rise (toward positive values) produced by Na+ influx. 
- Repolarization is the return toward negative values produced by K+ efflux. 
- Hyperpolarization (the “undershoot”) is when the membrane becomes more negative than the resting potential, usually because K+ channels remain open briefly. 
- The refractory period (absolute and relative) limits how soon a new action potential can be generated; hyperpolarization contributes to the relative refractory period, requiring a larger-than-normal stimulus.

2) Step-by-step reasoning
- Locate the resting potential on the graph: label A lies on the flat baseline (~–70 mV) before the spike — that is resting membrane potential.
- The spike’s rising phase (label B) climbs to a positive peak due to opening of voltage-gated Na+ channels (depolarization).
- The top/early falling region (label C) represents the peak and beginning of repolarization as Na+ channels inactivate and K+ channels open.
- After repolarization the trace dips below the resting line at label D (more negative than A) — that is hyperpolarization (the undershoot).

3) Intermediate steps / values
- Resting ~ –70 mV (A). Peak reaches positive values (B/C). Undershoot at D reaches ~ –80 mV (more negative than rest), illustrating hyperpolarization.

4) Why the correct answer is correct
- D is the only label lying below the resting potential line, matching the definition of hyperpolarization. This hyperpolarized state contributes to the relative refractory period, delaying the next action potential because a stronger stimulus is needed to reach threshold.

5) Why other options are incorrect
- A is resting potential, not hyperpolarization. 
- B labels the depolarizing rising phase. 
- C labels the peak/early repolarization, not the undershoot.

6) Conclusion
- Therefore the label that represents hyperpolarization and explains the delay between action potentials is D (correct answer: D).

Question at position 20 This labeled section represents hyperpolarization and is the reason for a delay between action potentials.ADBCClear my selectionSingle choice

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