The electric signal travels from one end of an axon to the other end. The potential difference across the axon membrane is around -70 mV if it is at resting state. This potential difference changes to 40 mV if the nerve is fired, or the action potential is stimulated. It is measured that the electrical signal or action potential travels down the axon at a speed of 50 m/s. The axon is 5 cm long and 30 µm in diameter. The membrane consists of a thickness of 10 nm, and the dielectric constant is 3.
Based on the information provided, finds out: i) Determine how much power should be generated by the “active Na+ pumping” system for such a signal transmission process? ii) Determine how much energy should be spent to transmit an electric signal from one end of this axon to the other end?