Photoreceptors are modified neurons. However, they differ from most neurons in the fact that________.
A) photoreceptors are sensitive to energy changes in the external environment
B) photoreceptors do not release neurotransmitters
C) photoreceptors do not have fluctuations in membrane potential
D) photoreceptors will hyperpolarize when stimulated

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Photoreceptors differ from most neurons in the fact that they will hyperpolarize when stimulated, while most neurons will depolarize. This is due to the fact that photoreceptors are specialized to detect changes in light and need to be able to signal this information to the brain in a specific way. They also release neurotransmitters, so option B is incorrect. Option A is partially correct, as photoreceptors are sensitive to changes in light energy, but this alone does not fully differentiate them from other neurons. Option C is incorrect, as photoreceptors do have fluctuations in membrane potential, but those fluctuations are different from those of other neurons.

Photoreceptors Are Modified Neurons