Q What restores the resting potential after a nerve impulse?
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Explanation
After a nerve impulse, the membrane potential of the neuron becomes depolarized due to the influx of sodium ions. However, the resting potential must be restored for the neuron to be able to fire another action potential. This is achieved through the movement of potassium ions out of the cell. After the peak of the action potential, the voltage-gated potassium channels open, and potassium ions move out of the cell due to their concentration gradient. This causes the membrane potential to become more negative, eventually reaching the resting potential. The movement of potassium ions outside the membrane also restores the concentration gradient of potassium ions, which is important for maintaining the resting potential.
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