What is the difference between repolarize and depolarize?

Definitions

repolarize

- Describing the process of restoring the electrical charge of a cell membrane to its resting state after depolarization.

- Talking about the restoration of the electrical gradient across a cell membrane after an action potential.

- Referring to the re-establishment of the negative charge inside the cell and positive charge outside the cell.

depolarize

- Describing the process of reducing the electrical charge difference between the inside and outside of a cell membrane.

- Talking about the change in the electrical gradient across a cell membrane that leads to an action potential.

- Referring to the shift of the membrane potential towards a more positive charge.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both terms describe changes in the electrical charge of a cell membrane.
• 2. Both are involved in the process of generating an action potential.
• 3. Both are essential for proper cellular function.
• 4. Both involve the movement of ions across the cell membrane.
• 5. Both are important for the communication between cells.

What is the difference?

• 1. Definition: Repolarization refers to the restoration of the resting state of the cell membrane, while depolarization refers to the reduction of the electrical charge difference between the inside and outside of the cell membrane.
• 2. Direction: Repolarization moves the membrane potential back towards its resting state, while depolarization moves the membrane potential away from its resting state.
• 3. Timing: Repolarization occurs after depolarization, while depolarization occurs before repolarization.
• 4. Function: Repolarization allows the cell to recover and prepare for another action potential, while depolarization initiates the action potential.
• 5. Consequence: Failure to properly repolarize can lead to arrhythmias, while failure to properly depolarize can lead to a lack of cellular communication.

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Remember this!

Repolarize and depolarize are two terms used to describe the changes in the electrical charge of a cell membrane. While both terms are involved in the process of generating an action potential, they differ in their definition, direction, timing, function, and consequence. Repolarization restores the resting state of the cell membrane, while depolarization reduces the electrical charge difference between the inside and outside of the cell membrane, initiating the action potential.