When an agonist binds to nicotinic receptors,what happens?
A) An ion channel opens for negatively charged ions.
B) G-proteins are activated, leading to the opening of ion channels.
C) G-proteins are activated, leading to gene transcription.
D) An ion channel opens for positively charged ions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an agonist binds to nicotinic receptors, an ion channel opens for positively charged ions (mainly sodium ions). This causes a depolarization of the cell membrane potential, leading to the generation of an action potential. Nicotinic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels, meaning that they allow the passage of ions across the cell membrane when a specific ligand (in this case, the agonist) binds to them. There is no involvement of G-proteins or gene transcription in this process.

When an Agonist Binds to Nicotinic Receptors,what Happens