Evolution or action potential.

In summary, action potential is the local voltage change across the cell wall as a nerve impulse is transmitted. The question of why it happens or why organisms evolve can be explained by a combination of mutation and natural selection. Ionic currents in cells were already present before cells started utilizing them as a means of communication, and the evolution of the nervous system can be further explored through research on its evolutionary history.
  • #1
gianeshwar
226
14
Action potential is defined as"
the local voltage change across the cell wall as a nerve impulse is transmitted"
Now my question is "why it happens? i.e.,why organism evolves?
 
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  • #2
A little bit of luck (mutation) provided a benefit in organism function that allowed organisms to reproduce, propagating that function (selection). Ionic currents in cells (and associated action potentials) were already around before cells started taking advantage of them at the level neurons do.

You can read a bit about the evolutionary history on the wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution_of_nervous_systems
 
  • #3
Thank you Pythagorean.I have studied the link you sent .Will come back after more study.
One thing you referred mutation as luck is difficult to justify.
 

What is evolution?

Evolution is the process by which different species of organisms have developed and diversified from earlier forms of life over a long period of time. It is driven by natural selection, genetic variation, and environmental factors.

How does evolution occur?

Evolution occurs through a process called natural selection, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. This leads to changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time.

What is an action potential?

An action potential is a brief electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron. It is generated when the neuron receives a strong enough stimulus, causing a rapid change in the neuron's membrane potential.

How does an action potential work?

An action potential is initiated when a stimulus causes a sufficient influx of positively charged ions into the neuron, causing the membrane potential to become more positive. This triggers a series of events that result in a rapid depolarization and repolarization of the membrane, creating the action potential.

What is the relationship between evolution and action potential?

There is no direct relationship between evolution and action potential. Evolution is a process that occurs over long periods of time, while action potentials are rapid electrical signals that occur within individual neurons. However, the development of complex nervous systems, including the ability to generate action potentials, has played a crucial role in the evolution of many species.

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