Question

In long-term potentiation, the enhanced possibility that an activated postsynaptic membrane will generate an action potential is associated with a(n) ________.

A) increased strength of the EPSPs
B) reduction in the number of IPSPs
C) increased number of EPSPs
D) increase in its threshold
E) decrease in its threshold"

Answer 1

In Long-term Potentiation (LTP), the increased likelihood of a postsynaptic neuron generating an action potential is due to increased strength of the EPSPs from additional AMPA receptor insertion.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of neuronal function and Long-term Potentiation (LTP), which is a process of synaptic strengthening, the enhanced possibility that an activated postsynaptic membrane will generate an action potential is associated with an increased strength of the excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). This strengthening occurs as a result of the insertion of additional AMPA receptors into the postsynaptic membrane, which allows more positive ions to enter the cell when glutamate is released from the presynaptic neuron, hence causing a larger depolarization. Summation of these EPSPs can lead to the postsynaptic neuron reaching its threshold and subsequently firing an action potential.

Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is: A) increased strength of the EPSPs.