Question

The increased influx of calcium at a postsynaptic terminal with glutamate receptors ________.

A) activates a protein kinase that phosphorylates the NMDA receptor, making it more sensitive to
glutamate
B) activates a protein kinase that phosphorylates the AMPA receptor, making it more sensitive to
glutamate
C) causes a greater release of neurotransmitter from the postsynaptic cell
D) activates the NMDA receptor to increase calcium influx
E) activates the AMPA receptor to increase sodium influx"

Answer 1

The correct answer is B) activates a protein kinase that phosphorylates the AMPA receptor, making it more sensitive to glutamate, as high calcium concentration links to long-term potentiation and the phosphorylation of AMPA receptors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The increased influx of calcium at a postsynaptic terminal with glutamate receptors activates a protein kinase that phosphorylates the AMPA receptor, making it more sensitive to glutamate. This process is associated with changes in the synaptic strength called long-term potentiation (LTP). During LTP, high concentrations of postsynaptic calcium, often via activation of NMDA receptors, lead to the phosphorylation of AMPA receptors. These modifications increase the conduction through AMPA channels and facilitate the insertion of more AMPA receptors into the postsynaptic membrane, augmenting the postsynaptic response to glutamate. Hence, the correct option out of the choices provided is B) activates a protein kinase that phosphorylates the AMPA receptor, making it more sensitive to glutamate.