When a neurotransmitter binds to its receptor and increases the permeability of the postsynaptic membrane to sodium ions,
A)the membrane will be hyperpolarized.
B)more chloride ions will also diffuse into the cell.
C)an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)will result.
D)the membrane will become impermeable to potassium ions.
E)the sodium ions diffuse out of the cell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a neurotransmitter binds to its receptor and increases the permeability of the postsynaptic membrane to sodium ions, it will result in the generation of an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). This is because the influx of positively charged sodium ions will cause depolarization of the membrane potential, making it more likely for an action potential to be generated. None of the other choices are correct - the membrane would not be hyperpolarized (A), chloride ions would not necessarily diffuse into the cell (B), the membrane would not become impermeable to potassium ions (D), and sodium ions would not diffuse out of the cell (E).

When a Neurotransmitter Binds to Its Receptor and Increases the Permeability