Question

Chloride channels (such as the GABA-gated chloride channel) cause

A. Depolarisation and are therefore excitatory
B. Hyperpolarisation and are therefore excitatory
C. Depolarisation and are therefore excitatory
D. Hyperpolarisation and are therefore inhibitory

Answer 1

GABA-gated chloride channels cause hyperpolarization by allowing Cl- ions to enter the neuron, making it less likely to fire an action potential, which is inhibitory.

Step-by-step explanation:

The GABA-gated chloride channel when activated, allows negatively-charged chloride ions (Cl-) to enter the neuron, leading to hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane. This hyperpolarization makes the neuron less likely to fire an action potential, thus having an inhibitory effect on the neuron. Therefore, the correct answer is hyperpolarization and are therefore inhibitory.