Suppose a particular neurotransmitter causes an IPSP in postsynaptic cell X and an EPSP in postsynaptic cell Y. A likely explanation is that ________.
A) the threshold value in the postsynaptic membrane for cell X is different from that for cell Y
B) the axon of cell X is myelinated, but that of cell Y is not
C) only cell Y produces an enzyme that terminates the activity of the neurotransmitter
D) cells X and Y express different receptor molecules for this particular neurotransmitter

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The effect of a neurotransmitter on a postsynaptic cell (whether it causes an inhibitory postsynaptic potential, IPSP, or an excitatory postsynaptic potential, EPSP) depends on the type of receptor molecules expressed by the postsynaptic cell. Different receptors can activate different ion channels or second messenger systems, leading to either hyperpolarization (IPSP) or depolarization (EPSP) of the postsynaptic membrane.

Suppose a Particular Neurotransmitter Causes an IPSP in Postsynaptic Cell