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← Human Body & HealthWhich membrane polarization results when potassium channels close?
A)Increased excitability of the neuron✓
B)Reduced cellular osmotic pressure
C)Enhanced neurotransmitter reuptake rate
D)Decreased rate of enzymatic reactions
💡 Explanation
Closure of potassium channels inhibits potassium efflux which, via diminished repolarization, causes the cell membrane to remain more positive leading to increased excitability. Therefore hyperpolarization is prevented, rather than occurring which would reduce excitability and increase the threshold for action potential firing.
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