Assume that several thousand presynaptic neurons synapse with a single postsynaptic neuron.The various presynaptic neurons release ten different neurotransmitters,which are bound by specific (and varying)receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.For an action potential to be generated in the postsynaptic neuron,what must occur?
A) All neurotransmitter receptors must be ionotropic.
B) All neurotransmitter receptors must be metabotropic.
C) All postsynaptic potentials must be greater than the threshold potential.
D) There must be more IPSPs than EPSPs occurring at the same time and place.
E) The postsynaptic potentials occurring at a single time must sum to a value greater than the threshold potential.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The postsynaptic potentials occurring at a single time must sum to a value greater than the threshold potential, as this is what is necessary to generate an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. Simply having all neurotransmitter receptors being either ionotropic or metabotropic is not sufficient for generating an action potential, and having more IPSPs than EPSPs is not necessarily the case for all presynaptic neurons. Additionally, while all postsynaptic potentials must be greater than the threshold potential individually, it is only their combined effect that ultimately determines whether an action potential is generated or not.

Assume That Several Thousand Presynaptic Neurons Synapse with a Single