Which process makes the membrane more negative than resting?

Which process makes the membrane more negative than resting?

• A. Depolarization
• B. Repolarization
• C. Resting potential
• D. Hyperpolarization

Answer: (D)

Hyperpolarization is when the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting level. This happens after an action potential when voltage-gated potassium channels stay open longer than needed to just return to rest, so potassium continues to leave the cell. The inside becomes more negative than at rest (often dipping below the typical -70 mV). In some cells, chloride ions may also enter, contributing to the more negative inside. This deeper negative state makes it harder for another action potential to fire right away, contributing to a brief refractory period. Depolarization raises the membrane potential toward zero, making the inside less negative. Repolarization moves the potential back toward the resting value after a spike. The resting potential is simply the baseline state when the neuron is not actively signaling.

Hyperpolarization is when the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting level. This happens after an action potential when voltage-gated potassium channels stay open longer than needed to just return to rest, so potassium continues to leave the cell. The inside becomes more negative than at rest (often dipping below the typical -70 mV). In some cells, chloride ions may also enter, contributing to the more negative inside. This deeper negative state makes it harder for another action potential to fire right away, contributing to a brief refractory period.

Depolarization raises the membrane potential toward zero, making the inside less negative. Repolarization moves the potential back toward the resting value after a spike. The resting potential is simply the baseline state when the neuron is not actively signaling.