Question

When an action potential reaches a nerve terminal, what type of voltage-gated channels are opened and result in the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the cell membrane? Choose one:

A. Ca2+
B. Na+
C. Cl-
D. K+

Answer 1

Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels open at the nerve terminal during an action potential, leading to the release of neurotransmitters.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an action potential reaches a nerve terminal, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are opened, which results in the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the cell membrane. The influx of Ca2+ ions into the cell triggers a cascade of events that allows the synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters to merge with the presynaptic membrane. This process ultimately leads to the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft through exocytosis.