After a neurotransmitter diffuses across the synaptic cleft,what is the next action that occurs in transmission of an action potential?
A) Neurotransmitter molecules immediately depolarize the postsynaptic membrane.
B) Neurotransmitter molecules bind to receptor proteins in the postsynaptic membrane.
C) A delay occurs while receptor proteins are synthesized in the postsynaptic membrane.
D) A delay occurs while neurotransmitter molecules are transformed into ions that carry the action potential.
E) A single neurotransmitter molecule immediately triggers an action potential in the postsynaptic membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After neurotransmitter molecules diffuse across the synaptic cleft, they bind to specific receptor proteins on the postsynaptic membrane. This binding opens ion channels in the membrane, allowing ions to flow in or out and causing a change in the membrane potential. This change can either depolarize or hyperpolarize the membrane, and if enough depolarization occurs, an action potential may be triggered. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.

After a Neurotransmitter Diffuses Across the Synaptic Cleft,what Is the Next