Brock is working in the lab and has been able to demonstrate that ______.
A) the opening of sodium channels causes an EPSP
B) the opening of potassium channels causes an EPSP
C) the opening of sodium channels cases an IPSP
D) the opening of potassium channels causes an action potential

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The opening of sodium channels causes an EPSP (excitatory postsynaptic potential), which is a depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane potential that brings it closer to the threshold for generating an action potential. Option B is incorrect because the opening of potassium channels would result in a hyperpolarization or an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) rather than an EPSP. Option C is incorrect as it contradicts the established fact about sodium channels causing depolarization. Option D is also incorrect because the opening of potassium channels does not directly cause an action potential, but rather contributes to the repolarization of the membrane potential after an action potential has been generated.

Brock Is Working in the Lab and Has Been Able