Question

The membrane potential determines whether a ligand-gated ion channel is open or closed.

a. True
b. False

Answer 1

The statement that membrane potential determines the state of ligand-gated ion channels is false, as they rely on ligand binding rather than voltage changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assertion that the membrane potential determines whether a ligand-gated ion channel is open or closed is false. Ligand-gated ion channels are triggered by the binding of a specific ligand or signal molecule to the channel, causing it to open and allow ions to flow through.

These channels are different from voltage-gated ion channels, which do open or close in response to changes in the membrane potential, the difference in electric charge across the cell membrane.

Answer 2

The assertion that membrane potential determines whether a ligand-gated ion channel is open is false. These channels respond to ligand binding, while voltage-gated channels respond to changes in membrane potential.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that the membrane potential determines whether a ligand-gated ion channel is open or closed is false. Ligand-gated ion channels are sensitive to the binding of specific ligand molecules, such as neurotransmitters, not to the membrane potential directly.

These channels open in response to the binding of a ligand, allowing ions to flow into or out of the cell. On the other hand, voltage-gated ion channels open or close in response to changes in membrane potential.

They operate by detecting changes in the transmembrane voltage and opening when it reaches a specific threshold. It’s important to distinguish between these two types of channels and their different activation mechanisms for understanding cellular signaling and electrical impulse transmission.