You are studying the role of a newly discovered neurotransmitter. You find that

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?

Multiple Choice

The postsynaptic cell will immediately undergo an action potential.

The postsynaptic cell will undergo an IPSP.

The postsynaptic cell will undergo an EPSP.

There will be no change to the membrane potential in the postsynaptic cell.

Explanation / Answer

The excitatory potential of the cell depends upon thenet movement of ions acorss the cell membrane. Influx of negatively charged ions or efflux of positive charged ions while result in hyperpolarization ( further increase in negativity of the cell membrane) while the influx of positively charged ions or efflux of negatively charged ions makes the membrane less negative or depolarizes it.

Thus, in this case, where K+ channels have been opened, they will move from intracellular side to the extracellular one causing the membrane to become more negative- hyperpolarization. This will lead to an IPSP or Inhibitory Post Synaptic Potential.

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