Final answer:
In the retina, depolarized photoreceptors inhibit bipolar cells. When a center cone cell is depolarized, it inhibits off-center bipolar cells, leading to their hyperpolarization and the suppression of action potentials in off-center ganglion cells. The correct answer is B. Hyperpolarized, Suppression of action potentials.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the process of how light signals are processed in the retina, we need to understand the relationship between photoreceptors, bipolar cells, and ganglion cells. Photoreceptors, which include rods and cones, are unique in that they are depolarized in the dark and release neurotransmitters that inhibit bipolar cells. In light, photoreceptors become hyperpolarized, which stops the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters and allows bipolar cells to become active. This leads to the stimulation of ganglion cells and the initiation of action potentials that travel through the optic nerve to the brain.
In the context of the question, when a center cone cell is depolarized, it implies a baseline state (in the dark). This means that the 'off-center bipolar cell', which is normally inhibited by the neurotransmitters released by the depolarized cone cell, would be in an inhibited state. Since this question describes a center cone cell that is depolarized, the off-center bipolar cell would be 'hyperpolarized,' and the corresponding 'off-center ganglion cell' would likely experience 'suppression of action potentials'.
Therefore, the correct answer is: B. Hyperpolarized, Suppression of action potentials.