Neurones

Question 1

2 factors that affect the speed of conductance

Answer 1

• axon diameter
• temperature

Question 2

2 factors of axon diameter

Answer 2

1. Resistance
   - the greater the axon diameter the lower the resistance to the flow of ions - more space
2. Steadier resting potential
   - fewer potassium ions need to diffuse into the axon

Question 3

How Temperature affects speed of conductance

Answer 3

Higher the temperature, the greater the speed of conductance
- higher temperature means there is higher rate of diffusion
- Sodium ions are responsible for moving action potentials along the axon via diffusion
- so diffuse more quickly at higher temperatures
- result in higher speed of conductance
- if temperature too high, enzymes denature, no respiration occurs, no atp produced, sodium potassium pump can’t function (active transport)