Ionic basis of an action potential

Question 1

How is a resting potential produced?

Answer 1

Sodium/potassium ATPase powered pump produces a high concentration of sodium extracellularly and potassium intracellularly
Slow outward leak of potassium leads to a negative intracellular potential of -70 mV
If the inside of the cell becomes less negative and reaches the threshold potential of -55 mV, an action potential is generated
Sodium channels open to allow influx of ions
This produces depolarisation
Potassium channels open to allow efflux of ions
Producing repolarisation
After a short refractory period, another action potential can be generated