What happens to the postsynaptic cell when excitatory neurotransmitters bind to its receptors?

What happens to the postsynaptic cell when excitatory neurotransmitters bind to its receptors?

• A. Hyperpolarization occurs
• B. No change in the membrane potential
• C. Depolarization may occur
• D. Inhibition of neurotransmitter release

Answer: (C)

When excitatory neurotransmitters bind to their receptors on a postsynaptic cell, they typically lead to depolarization of that cell. This process involves the opening of ion channels that allow the influx of positively charged ions, such as sodium (Na+). As these positive ions enter the cell, the overall membrane potential becomes less negative (or more positive), which is a condition known as depolarization. Depolarization is a critical step in the generation of an action potential. If the change in membrane potential is significant enough to reach the threshold level, it can trigger an action potential, which is pivotal for the transmission of signals along neurons. Thus, the binding of excitatory neurotransmitters plays a vital role in facilitating communication between neurons by enhancing the likelihood of neuronal firing. In contrast, hyperpolarization would make the cell more negative and less likely to fire an action potential, which is not the effect of excitatory neurotransmitters. A lack of change in the membrane potential would not reflect the effects of excitatory signaling. Lastly, inhibition of neurotransmitter release does not align with the action of excitatory neurotransmitters, as their role is to facilitate communication rather than inhibit it.

When excitatory neurotransmitters bind to their receptors on a postsynaptic cell, they typically lead to depolarization of that cell. This process involves the opening of ion channels that allow the influx of positively charged ions, such as sodium (Na+). As these positive ions enter the cell, the overall membrane potential becomes less negative (or more positive), which is a condition known as depolarization.

Depolarization is a critical step in the generation of an action potential. If the change in membrane potential is significant enough to reach the threshold level, it can trigger an action potential, which is pivotal for the transmission of signals along neurons. Thus, the binding of excitatory neurotransmitters plays a vital role in facilitating communication between neurons by enhancing the likelihood of neuronal firing.

In contrast, hyperpolarization would make the cell more negative and less likely to fire an action potential, which is not the effect of excitatory neurotransmitters. A lack of change in the membrane potential would not reflect the effects of excitatory signaling. Lastly, inhibition of neurotransmitter release does not align with the action of excitatory neurotransmitters, as their role is to facilitate communication rather than inhibit it.