Question

Not every action potential is successfully transmitted to a postsynaptic neuron. which of the following would increase the probability of the action potential transfer?

O frequent presynaptic action potentials resulting in greater calcium influx and neurotransmitter release.
O frequent presynaptic action potentials resulting in greater calcium influx but a constant level of neurotransmitter release.
O fewer presynaptic action potentials resulting in greater calcium influx and neurotransmitter release.

Answer 1

Frequent presynaptic action potentials resulting in greater calcium influx and neurotransmitter release can increase the probability of action potential transfer to a postsynaptic neuron.

Step-by-step explanation:

The probability of an action potential being transferred to a postsynaptic neuron can be increased by frequent presynaptic action potentials resulting in greater calcium influx and neurotransmitter release.

When an action potential reaches the axon terminals, voltage-gated Ca²+ channels open, allowing calcium ions to enter the presynaptic neuron. The increase in calcium concentration inside the neuron promotes the merging of neurotransmitter vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, resulting in the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Increased calcium influx leads to a higher likelihood of successful transmission of the action potential to the postsynaptic neuron, as it enhances the availability of neurotransmitters for binding to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.