Question

how does increased frequency of action potentials result in increased release of neurotransmitter? view available hint(s)for part a with increased firing frequency, the axon terminal is depolarized for longer, allowing more na to rush into the cell. action potentials weaken the secretory vesicles and the plasma membrane at the axon terminal. with faster firing frequency, more neurotransmitter is released because the plasma membrane is made significantly weaker. with faster firing frequency, subsequent action potentials are larger than previous potentials, which allows more ca channels to be opened at the axon terminal. with increased firing frequency, the voltage-gated calcium channels at the axon terminal remain open longer, allowing more calcium to enter the cell.

Answer 1

Increased frequency of action potentials leads to prolonged opening of voltage-gated calcium channels, allowing more calcium ions to trigger neurotransmitter release.

Step-by-step explanation:

The frequency of action potentials affects the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse significantly. Increased firing frequency of action potentials leads to more frequent depolarization of the axon terminal.

This, in turn, allows for prolonged opening of voltage-gated calcium channels, which allows more calcium ions (Ca2+) to enter the neuron. These calcium ions are essential for the vesicles containing neurotransmitters to fuse with the presynaptic membrane and release their contents into the synaptic cleft.