Question

Which one of the following statements is true regarding inhibitory neurotransmitters?

A. They open chloride channels that depolarize the cell membrane and increase the likelihood of an action potential
B. They open cation channels that depolarize the cell membrane and increase the likelihood of an action potential
C. They open chloride channels that hyperpolarize the cell membrane and increase the likelihood of an action potential
D. They open chloride channels that hyperpolarize the cell membrane and decrease the likelihood of an action potential
E. They open potassium channels that depolarize the cell membrane and decrease the likelihood of an action potential

Answer 1

The correct statement is that inhibitory neurotransmitters open chloride channels, leading to hyperpolarization of the neuron and a decreased likelihood of action potential firing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The true statement regarding inhibitory neurotransmitters is that they open chloride channels that hyperpolarize the cell membrane and decrease the likelihood of an action potential. When neurotransmitters like GABA are released from a presynaptic neuron, they bind and open Cl- channels, leading to an influx of Cl- ions into the neuron. This influx results in hyperpolarization, which makes the neuron less likely to fire an action potential, thereby inhibiting neural activity.