Yasmine is in the lab trying to produce action potentials in her cultured neurons. What is most likely to work?
A) Using a chemical substance that will produce a large number of IPSPs.
B) Using electrical stimulation that will produce a large number of IPSPs.
C) Using electrical stimulation to produce a rapid sequence of EPSPs.
D) Using a chemical substance that will produce both EPSPs and IPSPs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To produce action potentials, Yasmine should use electrical stimulation to rapidly produce EPSPs. This will depolarize the neurons and eventually lead to the initiation of an action potential. The other options, such as using a chemical substance to produce IPSPs, will inhibit the firing of action potentials. Using a chemical substance that produces both EPSPs and IPSPs may not be effective as the net effect on the neuron may be inhibitory.

Yasmine Is in the Lab Trying to Produce Action Potentials