When light strikes a molecule of photopigment, the membrane potential undergoes a(n) ________, which in turn ________.
A) action potential; releases an excitatory transmitter onto the ganglion cell
B) hyperpolarization; reduces release of an inhibitory transmitter onto the bipolar cell
C) depolarization; releases an excitatory transmitter onto the ganglion cell
D) action potential; releases an inhibitory transmitter onto the ganglion cell
E) hyperpolarization; increases the release of an inhibitory transmitter onto the bipolar cell

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When light strikes a molecule of photopigment, it causes hyperpolarization of the photoreceptor cell, which reduces the release of an inhibitory neurotransmitter onto the bipolar cell. This leads to depolarization of the bipolar cell and subsequent release of an excitatory neurotransmitter onto the ganglion cell, ultimately resulting in the generation of action potential and transmission of visual information to the brain.

When Light Strikes a Molecule of Photopigment, the Membrane Potential