Final answer:
Acetylcholine binds to a ligand-gated ion channel, causing it to change shape and allow sodium ions to enter the muscle cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
A ligand-gated ion channel works with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to allow sodium ions into a muscle cell through the following process:
- Acetylcholine binds to the receptor site on the ligand-gated ion channel.
- This binding causes the ion channel to change shape and open its pore.
- The open pore allows sodium ions to enter the muscle cell.
Therefore, the correct answer is D) Acetylcholine binds to the receptor site on the ligand-gated ion channel, causing it to change shape and allow sodium ions to enter the muscle cell.