Placing neurons and their synaptic contacts into a medium containing no calcium ions would be expected to
A) decrease the time required to move sodium ions out of the axon terminal.
B) enhance the voltage changes associated with the action potential.
C) increase the number of transmitter molecules released from the axon terminal.
D) prolong the refractory period of the action potential.
E) prevent the release of neurotransmitter into the synapse.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The release of neurotransmitter into the synapse is dependent on the influx of calcium ions. Therefore, if the medium containing the neurons and their synaptic contacts lack calcium ions, neurotransmitter release would not occur, as in option E.

Placing Neurons and Their Synaptic Contacts into a Medium Containing