Which of the following is a likely mechanism for long-term potentiation? A) When glutamate binds to postsynaptic AMPA receptors, it activates intracellular changes. B) When glutamate binds to NMDA receptors, it allows magnesium ions to enter the cell, which initiate intracellular changes. C) When sufficient glutamate is released by the presynaptic neuron, it dislodges Mg²⁺ from the AMPA receptors and allows Ca²⁺ to leave the cell. D) When sufficient glutamate is released, both AMPA and NMDA receptors are activated, and NMDA receptors allow Ca²⁺ as well as Na⁺ to enter the cell, thus initiating intracellular changes. E) When both glutamate and ACh are released together, they create a long-lasting depolarization of the postsynaptic cell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a process where the strength of the communication between two neurons (at a synapse) is increased following high-frequency stimulation. One likely mechanism for LTP involves the activation of both AMPA and NMDA receptors by glutamate. When glutamate binds to NMDA receptors, it allows Ca2+ and Na+ ions to enter the cell, which initiate intracellular changes that lead to LTP. The activation of AMPA receptors also contributes to LTP by causing a depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane. Therefore, option D is the best choice as it describes both the activation of AMPA and NMDA receptors in LTP.

Which of the Following Is a Likely Mechanism for Long-Term