Question

Describe how neurotransmitters function on the post-synaptic membrane in conducting nerve impulses

A) Neurotransmitters bind to receptors, generating action potentials in the post-synaptic neuron
B) Neurotransmitters inhibit the activity of ion channels on the post-synaptic membrane
C) Neurotransmitters modulate gene expression in the post-synaptic cell
D) Neurotransmitters synthesize ATP for energy in the post-synaptic neuron

Answer 1

Neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron and bind to receptors on the post-synaptic membrane, affecting ion channels to either create an excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potential, which influences the generation of action potentials.

Step-by-step explanation:

Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in conducting nerve impulses on the post-synaptic membrane. When an action potential reaches the axon terminal of a neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitters then bind to specific receptors on the post-synaptic membrane. Depending on the type of neurotransmitter, binding can open ion channels, which allows ions to flow into or out of the post-synaptic neuron. This movement of ions changes the electrical charge across the post-synaptic membrane, creating either an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP), which depolarizes the membrane or an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP), which hyperpolarizes it. An EPSP can bring the post-synaptic cell closer to threshold, increasing the likelihood of firing an action potential, while an IPSP moves it further from threshold, decreasing the likelihood of an action potential.