All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other labelled as Reason (R) :
Assertion (A) : A positive charge applied to the inside of the membrane of the neuron produced depolarization.
Reason (R) : Inside of the membrane was positively charged.
In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct ?
Codes :

The correct answer is
(A) is correct, but (R) is wrong.

Evaluating Neuron Membrane Potential Statements

This question asks to evaluate an Assertion (A) and a Reason (R) regarding changes in a neuron's membrane potential.

Assertion (A) Analysis: Positive Charge Inside Causes Depolarization

Assertion (A) states that applying a positive charge inside the neuron membrane causes depolarization. Depolarization is defined as a change in the membrane potential that makes the inside of the cell *less negative* (or more positive) relative to the outside. Applying a positive charge directly to the inside of the membrane achieves this by increasing the positive charge concentration, thus making the membrane potential less negative. Therefore, Assertion (A) is correct.

Reason (R) Analysis: Inside Was Positively Charged

Reason (R) states that the inside of the membrane was positively charged. In a neuron at rest, the inside of the membrane is actually *negatively* charged relative to the outside (resting potential, typically around -70mV). While the inside *becomes* transiently positive during the peak of an action potential (due to Na+ influx), this is a result of depolarization, not the resting state. As a reason explaining why *applying* a positive charge causes depolarization, this statement is incorrect. It doesn't accurately describe the initial state, nor does it logically explain the effect of an applied charge. Therefore, Reason (R) is wrong.

Conclusion

Since Assertion (A) is correct and Reason (R) is wrong, the correct option is the one that states (A) is correct, but (R) is wrong.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from System Physiology Animal

  1. Which one of the following synaptic vesicles (as observed under transmission electron microscope) contains catecholamines?

  2. Blood hemostasis is the interplay of several intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Deficiency of some of the blood clotting factors and their clinical manifestations are listed below.

    Factors

    Manifestations

    A.

    V

    i.

    Hageman trait

    B.

    VII

    ii.

    Hypoconvertemia

    C.

    IX

    iii.

    Hemophilia B

    D.

    XII

    iv.

    Parahemophilia

    Which one of the following options represents all correct matches?

  3. Columns X and Y list the terms associated with gametogenesis and fertilisation.

    Column X

    Column Y

    A

    Primordial germ cells

    i

    Luteinizing hormone

    B

    Dictyate resting stage

    ii

    Posterior epiblast

    C

    Sodium channels

    iii.

    Male pronuclei

    D

    Protamines

    iv

    Block polyspermy

    Which one of the following options represents all correct matches? 

  4. Nephrons are structural and functional units of the kidneys. Certain statements are made below about structure and function of a nephron.

    A. P cells of the collecting duct are involved in Na+ reabsorption and vasopressin-stimulated water reabsorption.

    B. P cells of the collecting duct are concerned with acid secretion and HCO3- transport.

    C. I cells of the collecting duct are concerned with acid secretion and HCO3- transport.

    D. The total length of the nephrons including collecting ducts ranges from 45 to 65 mm.

    Which one of the following options has all correct statements?

  5. The non-ciliated cuboidal epithelial cells in bronchioles that secrete important defense markers are called

Need Expert Advice?

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App