Based on the figure, if Neuron B releases a neurotransmitter that causes a hyperpolarizing potential in Neuron A, would Neuron C be affected, and if so, how?
A) Yes, the effect on A would lead to a decrease in neurotransmitter release, thus decreasing the output to C.
B) Yes, the effect on A would lead to a increase in neurotransmitter release, thus increasing the output to C.
C) No, because A doesn't directly interact with C.
D) No, because hyperpolarizing potentials don't affect neurotransmitter release.

Question

Based on the figure, if Neuron B releases a neurotransmitter that causes a hyperpolarizing potential in Neuron A, would Neuron C be affected, and if so, how? 
A) Yes, the effect on A would lead to a decrease in neurotransmitter release, thus decreasing the output to C. 
B) Yes, the effect on A would lead to a increase in neurotransmitter release, thus increasing the output to C. 
C) No, because A doesn't directly interact with C. 
D) No, because hyperpolarizing potentials don't affect neurotransmitter release.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neuron A is presynaptic to Neuron C, meaning that it releases neurotransmitters that directly affect Neuron C's firing. If Neuron B releases a neurotransmitter that causes a hyperpolarizing potential in Neuron A, it will decrease the likelihood of Neuron A releasing neurotransmitters, thus decreasing the output to Neuron C. Therefore, the answer is A.

Based on the Figure, If Neuron B Releases a Neurotransmitter