Question

Place each of the following descriptions into their appropriate bin: EPSP (excitatory post-synaptic potential) or IPSP (inhibitory post-synaptic potential) or BOTH.

(a) Increases the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic cell.
(b) Decreases the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic cell.
(c) A change in the membrane potential of the postsynaptic cell towards the threshold potential.
(d) A change in the membrane potential of the postsynaptic cell away from the threshold potential.

Answer 1

In response to a student's question, EPSPs increase the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic cell by depolarizing it toward the threshold, while IPSPs decrease the likelihood by hyperpolarizing the cell away from the threshold. The correct answer is option a.

Step-by-step explanation:

The postsynaptic potential (PSP) can either be an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) or an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP). The answers to the student question are as follows:

• (a) Increases the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic cell: EPSP.
• (b) Decreases the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic cell: IPSP.
• (c) A change in the membrane potential of the postsynaptic cell towards the threshold potential: EPSP.
• (d) A change in the membrane potential of the postsynaptic cell away from the threshold potential: IPSP.