Question

nicotinic cholinergic receptors open channels on the plasma membrane that allow both na and k to move across the membrane. this will lead to which type of post-synaptic potential? view available hint(s)for part a epsp ipsp

Answer 1

Activation of nicotinic cholinergic receptors by acetylcholine allows Na+ and K+ to flow across the plasma membrane, leading to an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) that depolarizes the postsynaptic neuron.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nicotinic cholinergic receptors are a type of ligand-gated ion channel that, when activated by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), allow both sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions to move across the plasma membrane. This dual ion passage leads to a change in membrane potential, specifically an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP), which depolarizes the postsynaptic membrane and makes the neuron more likely to fire an action potential. This is in contrast to inhibitory synapses, where neurotransmitters such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) lead to an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP), causing hyperpolarization of the membrane.