Biology A-Level
relative refractory period
What relative refractory period means in Biology A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of relative refractory period
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Reference: AQA
The period that follows, when the channels have reset but the membrane is hyperpolarised because potassium ion channels close slowly, so only a stronger than normal stimulus reaches threshold.
Topics that use relative refractory period
- Nerve impulses (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- absolute refractory period
- axon and dendrites
- depolarisation
- differential membrane permeability
- local currents
- maximum impulse frequency
- myelin sheath
- nodes of Ranvier
Using relative refractory period in the exam
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