Assignment on action potential.  Due Wed. Jan. 31.

1. If you depolarize a cell very gradually, you may get to the normal threshold membrane potential but not get an action potential. Why?

2. Would would be the effect of  increasing the external Na+ (and Cl-) concentration on the size of the action potential.

3. Why does the membrane become slightly hyperpolarized relative to rest at the end of the action potential?

4. What accounts for the falling phase of the action potential?