You are studying the role of a newly discovered neurotransmitter. You find that there are receptors for this neurotransmitter on interneurons in the brain and that when it binds,it causes the opening of K⁺ channels. What can we expect of the postsynaptic cells under influence of this neurostransmitter?
A)The postsynaptic cell will immediately undergo an action potential.
B)The postsynaptic cell will undergo an IPSP.
C)The postsynaptic cell will undergo an EPSP.
D)There will be no change to the membrane potential in the postsynaptic cell.

Question

You are studying the role of a newly discovered neurotransmitter.  You find that there are receptors for this neurotransmitter on interneurons in the brain and that when it binds,it causes the opening of K⁺ channels.  What can we expect of the postsynaptic cells under influence of this neurostransmitter?
A)The postsynaptic cell will immediately undergo an action potential.
B)The postsynaptic cell will undergo an IPSP.
C)The postsynaptic cell will undergo an EPSP.
D)There will be no change to the membrane potential in the postsynaptic cell.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a neurotransmitter causes the opening of K⁺ channels, potassium ions move out of the cell, making the inside of the cell more negative. This hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic cell is known as an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP), which makes it less likely for the cell to undergo an action potential.

You Are Studying the Role of a Newly Discovered Neurotransmitter