A new drug has its effect at the postsynaptic membrane. Specifically, it opens both potassium and chlorine channels. The effect will be
A)to create a small amount of excitation
B)to generate an action potential
C)depolarization
D)to start reuptake
E)hyper polarization

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Opening potassium and chlorine channels in the postsynaptic membrane leads to an efflux of potassium ions and an influx of chloride ions, respectively. Both of these actions make the inside of the cell more negative compared to the outside, moving the membrane potential further from the threshold needed to generate an action potential. This results in hyperpolarization, making the neuron less likely to fire an action potential.

A New Drug Has Its Effect at the Postsynaptic Membrane