Question

Cell X fires an action potential and releases GABA onto Cell Y. Assuming only GABAA receptors are present on the postsynaptic membrane, which is at rest at -55mV, which ion is responsible for the changes that would be observed?

a. Chloride
b. Potassium
c. Sodium
d. Calcium
e. Magnesium

Answer 1

The correct answer is a. Chloride

Step-by-step explanation:

GABAA receptors, is an ionotropic receptor that controls most of the central nervous system inhibitory transmission. GABAA receptors exist as ionotropic ligand-gated ion channel and selectively conduct chloride ions Cl⁻ when activated by GABA through its pore where by the flow of Cl⁻ depends on the internal voltage of the cell and the resting potential. Cl⁻ will flow in a cell if the internal voltage is more than resting potential which is -75 mV. When the internal voltage is less than resting potential, Cl⁻ will transit out of the cell