Final answer:
In neurons, electrical conduction through electrical synapses is more rapid and requires less energy compared to chemical conduction, which occurs via neurotransmitters in chemical synapses. Option a) Electrical; chemical is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question seems to be asking which type of conduction in neurons is more rapid and requires less energy. Conduction in neurons can occur either electrically or chemically. Electrical synapses are faster and more energy-efficient than chemical synapses.
Electrical synapses allow current to pass directly from one neuron to another through gap junctions, leading to virtually instantaneous signaling and potential bidirectionality. In contrast, chemical synapses transmit signals via neurotransmitters that lead to a delayed response due to the time needed for the neurotransmitter to be released, cross the synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.
Option a) Electrical; chemical correctly identifies electrical conduction as being rapid and energy-efficient compared to chemical conduction, which occurs at a synaptic level and involves the release and binding of neurotransmitters.