An IPSP is
A)produced by increased permeability to Na+ and K+
B)produced by increased permeability to K+ or Cl-
C)a hyperpolarization of the presynaptic cell
D)a decrease in the postsynaptic membrane potential
E)an decrease in the presynaptic membrane potential

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An IPSP (inhibitory postsynaptic potential) is produced by increased permeability to either K+ or Cl-. This increased permeability causes the membrane potential to become more negative, resulting in hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic cell. Option A is incorrect because increased permeability to Na+ would result in an EPSP (excitatory postsynaptic potential). Option C and E are incorrect because changes in presynaptic membrane potential do not directly produce IPSPs. Option D is incorrect because IPSPs result in hyperpolarization, not depolarization, of the postsynaptic cell.

An IPSP Is