There is a mutation in the NMDA receptor that makes it unable to bind magnesium.

Question

There is a mutation in the NMDA receptor that makes it unable to bind magnesium. What do you expect will happen in the cell?

I think it is "you will see a build up of AMPA receptors in the plasma membrane" but some people are saying that it is "you will see a reduced sensitivity of the postsynaptic neurons." Please Help. Thank you!

You will see a decrease of calcium in the cell. You will see a build up of NMDA receptors in the plasma membrane. You will see a build up of AMPA receptors in the plasma membrane. You will see a reduced sensitivity of the postsynaptic neurons

Explanation / Answer

After activation of NMDA receptor leads to the opening of an ion channel that is nonselective to cations. NDMA receptors have binding sites for extracellular magnesium (Mg2+) and zinc (Zn2+) ions . After binding of Mg2+ and Zn2+ to specific sites on the receptor then block the passage of other cations through the open ion channel. Depolarization of the cell dislodges and repels the Mg2+ and Zn2+ ions from the pore. it cause allowing a voltage-dependent flow of sodium (Na+) and small amounts of calcium (Ca2+) ions into the cell and potassium (K+) out of the cell. This influx of Ca2+ triggers intracellular signaling pathways.

So right answer is "you will see a reduced sensitivity of the postsynaptic neurons." due to deduced the calcium in cell. If the select all right answer then, A and D both are correct.

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