An action potential is self-regenerating because __________.

Question: An action potential is self-regenerating because __________.

Answer

An action potential is the potential because of the intrinsic properties of voltage-gated sodium and potassium ion channels which have electrochemical properties in neuronal cell membrane. When a neuron acquires an adequate stimulus to pass the threshold value of -55mV, voltage-gated sodium channels open therefore, a rapid influx of positively charged sodium ions can get across the cell. Here, the membrane potential experience depolarization from -70mV to +30mV signaling the start of the action potential.

So, the frequency of depolarization activates the movement of positively charged potassium ions, so these ions leave the cell. The latter leads to the repolarization of the membrane potential at -70 mV. As the sodium potassium ATPase pump actively transports sodium ions out and potassium ions back into the cell, it regenerates the resting potential and the normal polarization of the cell membrane. Therefore, the repetition of the rapid depolarization by sodium influx and consequent repolarization by potassium efflux in each cycle- given, action potentials regenerate and propagate along the axon as a continuous process . Consecutive opening and closing of particular voltage-gated ionic channel allows the ionic basis of the regenerated action potential waveform to proceed down the axon, giving way for the transmission of information.