Question

The influx of calcium into the axon terminal of a chemical synapse is responsible for which of the following?

A) Termination of an action potential
B) Initiation of an action potential
C) Fusion of vesicles to the membrane and exocytosis of neurotransmitter
D) Diffusion of the neurotransmitter across the membrane and into the cleft

Answer 1

The influx of calcium into the axon terminal of a chemical synapse is responsible for C) Fusion of vesicles to the membrane and exocytosis of neurotransmitter.

Step-by-step explanation:

The influx of calcium into the axon terminal of a chemical synapse is responsible for Fusion of vesicles to the membrane and exocytosis of neurotransmitter.

When an action potential reaches the axon terminals, voltage-gated Ca²+ channels open and allow Ca²+ to enter the cell.

The entry of calcium ions initiates a signaling cascade that causes synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitter molecules to fuse with the presynaptic membrane.

As a result, neurotransmitter molecules are released into the synaptic cleft through exocytosis.

Therefore, option C) Fusion of vesicles to the membrane and exocytosis of neurotransmitter is the correct answer.