Toshia is working in the lab trying to produce an IPSP in her cultured neurons. What should she do?
A) Encourage sodium ions to enter the cell.
B) Encourage potassium ions to enter the cell.
C) Encourage chloride ions to leave the cell.
D) Encourage chloride ions to enter the cell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To produce an inhibitory post-synaptic potential (IPSP), the membrane potential needs to hyperpolarize, making it more difficult for the neuron to reach its threshold potential and fire an action potential. This can be accomplished by increasing the permeability of the membrane to negatively charged ions such as chloride (Cl-) ions, as they will move into the cell and cause hyperpolarization. Encouraging sodium or potassium ions to enter the cell would cause depolarization and make it more likely for an action potential to occur. Encouraging chloride ions to leave the cell would also cause depolarization, not hyperpolarization. Therefore, the best choice is D - encourage chloride ions to enter the cell.

Toshia Is Working in the Lab Trying to Produce an IPSP