Final answer:
The statement in question is true, as photoreceptors release an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the dark to prevent bipolar neurons from exciting ganglion neurons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'In the dark, the photoreceptors release an inhibitory neurotransmitter that prohibits bipolar neurons from exciting ganglion neurons' is true. Photoreceptors in the retina, which include rods and cones, exhibit tonic activity; they are slightly active even in the absence of light. However, in the dark, instead of being hyperpolarized, they depolarize and release more of the inhibitory neurotransmitter (glutamate), which prevents the bipolar cells from stimulating the ganglion cells. When light is present, photoreceptors become hyperpolarized due to the light-induced change in their membrane potential, leading to a decrease in the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter. This reduction in inhibition allows bipolar cells to activate ganglion cells, which then send visual information to the brain through the optic nerve.