Question

Which of the following statements about inhibitory synapses is FALSE? ______

A) The membrane potential of the postsynaptic cell can be hyperpolarized.
B) Opening of potassium channels can generate an IPSP.
C) Opening of chloride channels can generate an IPSP.
D) The postsynaptic cell is less likely to generate an action potential.
E) In presynaptic inhibition, the lower level potential generated interferes with the oncoming action potential.

Answer 1

The FALSE statement about inhibitory synapses is E) In presynaptic inhibition, the lower level potential generated interferes with the oncoming action potential. Presynaptic inhibition affects neurotransmitter release, not action potentials directly.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about inhibitory synapses that is FALSE is E) In presynaptic inhibition, the lower level potential generated interferes with the oncoming action potential.

This statement is incorrect because presynaptic inhibition involves the reduction of neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic neuron, not the interference with an oncoming action potential through a lower level potential.

Options A, B, C, and D are all true statements about inhibitory synapses:

• A) The membrane potential of the postsynaptic cell can be hyperpolarized.
• B) Opening of potassium channels can generate an IPSP (inhibitory postsynaptic potential).
• C) Opening of chloride channels can generate an IPSP.
• D) The postsynaptic cell is less likely to generate an action potential.

In inhibitory synapses, neurotransmitters like GABA can cause openings of Cl- channels leading to the hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane, making it less likely for an action potential to occur in the postsynaptic neuron.