Elaine, a graduate student in a neuroscience department, is interested in understanding the effects of popular herbal remedies on neuronal communication. After growing neurons in a petri dish, she exposes the neurons to several common herbal supplements. After performing a series of electrophysiology experiments, she notes that one class of herbal supplements caused the neurons to become depolarized. What does this result mean?
A) The difference between the electrical charges of the extracellular and intracellular recordings decreased, increasing the chances of an action potential.
B) The difference between the electrical charges of the extracellular and intracellular recordings decreased, decreasing the chances of an action potential.
C) The difference between the electrical charges of the extracellular and intracellular recordings increased, increasing the chances of an action potential.
D) The difference between the electrical charges of the extracellular and intracellular recordings increased, decreasing the chances of an action potential.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Depolarization refers to the reduction in the difference between the inside and outside electrical charges of a neuron, making the inside less negative compared to the outside. This process brings the neuron closer to the threshold needed to trigger an action potential, thereby increasing the likelihood of neuronal firing.

Elaine, a Graduate Student in a Neuroscience Department, Is Interested