Short Answer
Voltage-dependent conductances for Na⁺ and K⁺ with gating variables m, h, n is the best answer.
Biophysics questions work best when you translate anatomy or instrumentation back into plain physics: pressure gradients, flow, diffusion, energy deposition, imaging contrast, and signal-to-noise.
Hodgkin–Huxley (1952): I = Cm·dV/dt + gNa·m³h(V−ENa) + gK·n⁴(V−EK) + gL(V−EL); gating variables model channel opening/closing kinetics.
Why This Answer Is Correct
This is a Hard-level question in Biophysics & Medical Physics. The prompt is really testing whether you can connect the concept to its defining physical relationship instead of picking a nearby-but-wrong term.
Clinical wording can hide a simple physics core. Strip the scenario down to transport, force, energy, or measurement first.
Choices At A Glance
- A. Simple RC circuit only
- B. Voltage-dependent conductances for Na⁺ and K⁺ with gating variables m, h, n
- C. Quantum tunnelling of ions
- D. Passive diffusion of all ions
When similar options appear on an exam, eliminate the ones that break the core law, use the wrong units, or confuse a definition with a consequence.
Study Next
Review the related formula library
study the medical physics track
Topic Snapshot
Topic: Biophysics & Medical Physics
Difficulty: Hard
Best next move: Re-state the governing law in your own words, then solve one more example from the same topic before moving on.