Question

The following figure shows the distribution of ions on either side of the plasma membrane of the axon. 

Analyze the figure and answer the following. 

a) Why is there a difference in charge distribution on either side of the plasma membrane?

b) What changes do the stimulus create in the charges on either side of the plasma membrane? How do these charges get transmitted through the axon as impulses?

Answer 1

The difference in the distribution of ions.

• When stimulated, in that particular part, the outer surface of the plasma membrane becomes negatively charged while the inner surface becomes positively charged.
• The momentary charge difference stimulates its adjacent parts and similar.