How does halorhodopsin (NpHR) inactivate neurons? A) Halorhodopsin is activated by blue light, which causes a nonselective cation current which allows more K⁺ efflux than Na⁺ influx, hyperpolarizing the neuron. B) Halorhodopsin is activated by blue light, which results in increased permeability to chloride, effectively silencing the cells. C) Halorhodopsin is activated by yellow light, which causes a nonselective cation current which allows more K⁺ efflux than Na⁺ influx, hyperpolarizing the neuron. D) Halorhodopsin is activated by yellow light, which results in an increased transportation of chloride across the membrane, effectively silencing the cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Halorhodopsin is a protein that activated by yellow light and is a chloride-pump which silences neuron activity. In most cells the chloride equilibrium potential is below action potential threshold so that cell activity is reduced.

How Does Halorhodopsin (NpHR) Inactivate Neurons