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Action Potentials

Action Potentials

Action Potential

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...

Action Potential

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...

Photosystem I

Photosystem I

Although structurally similar to photosystem II (PSII), photosystem I (PSI) is has a different electron supplier and electron acceptor.
Both these photosystems work in concert. An excited electron from PSII is relayed to PSI via an electron transport chain in the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast, which is comprised of the carrier molecule plastoquinone, the dual-protein cytochrome complex, and plastocyanin. As electrons move between PSII and PSI, they lose energy and must be re-energized...

Propagation of Action Potentials

Propagation of Action Potentials

The propagation of an action potential refers to the process by which a nerve impulse, or "action potential," travels along a neuron.
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...

Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light

Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light

Light plays a significant role in regulating the growth and development of plants. In addition to providing energy for photosynthesis, light provides other important cues to regulate a range of developmental and physiological responses in plants.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Observation of Photobehavior in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Observation of Photobehavior in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Published on: May 6, 2022

Light- and dark-induced action potentials in Physcomitrella patens.

Mateusz Koselski¹, Kazimierz Trebacz, Halina Dziubinska

¹Department of Biophysics; Institute of Biology; Maria Curie-Sklodowska University; Lublin, Poland.

Plant Signaling & Behavior

|June 12, 2009

Summary

Action potentials (APs) in Physcomitrella patens are triggered by light and dark changes. Intracellular calcium influxes, not external calcium, appear crucial for these electrical signals.

Keywords:

Physcomitrella patens action potential calcium moss plant

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Area of Science:

Plant electrophysiology
Cellular signaling in plants

Background:

Physcomitrella patens exhibits electrical excitability.
Light and dark transitions can induce membrane potential changes.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the mechanisms underlying action potential generation in Physcomitrella patens during light-dark transitions.
To determine the role of calcium and potassium channels in plant electrical signaling.

Main Methods:

Utilized glass microelectrodes for recording action potentials in Physcomitrella patens gametophyte leaves.
Applied various ion channel inhibitors (La(3+), TEA(+)) and manipulated extracellular calcium concentrations.
Tested the effect of proton pump inhibitors (DES, DCCD) on resting potential and action potentials.

Main Results:

Action potentials were recorded in response to sudden illumination and dark-induced depolarization.
Inhibition of calcium and potassium channels, along with increased extracellular calcium, abolished excitability.
Absence of external calcium did not prevent action potentials.
Proton pump inhibitors reduced resting potential but did not block action potentials.

Conclusions:

Action potentials in Physcomitrella patens during light-dark transitions may depend on calcium influx from intracellular stores.
Plant electrical excitability involves complex ion channel dynamics and intracellular calcium signaling pathways.