Question:

Action potential in nerve fibers is unidirectional primarily due to which of the following mechanisms

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Refractory period = One-way street for the nerve impulse.
Updated On: May 15, 2026
  • Immediate decrease in extracellular potassium after repolarization
  • Activation of sodium channels during depolarization
  • Inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels during the refractory period
  • Increased membrane permeability to ions
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Concept

Action potentials travel along an axon in one direction, from the cell body to the axon terminals.

Step 2: Meaning

Refractory period is the time during which a cell cannot be re-excited.

Step 3: Analysis

After sodium channels open during depolarization, they enter an inactivated state. They cannot reopen until the membrane has repolarized and returned to the resting state.

Step 4: Conclusion

This "inactivated" zone behind the moving impulse prevents the signal from traveling backward. Final Answer: (C)
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