Why does the NMDAR provide a good molecular mechanism for coincidence detection? Select the best answer. A) It is the receptor for glutamate, the major excitatory transmitter in the brain. B) It requires depolarization to remove the Mg²⁺ block. C) It allows Ca²⁺ into the postsynaptic neuron. D) The NMDAR channel can remain open for long periods of time. E) It is expressed in the hippocampus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The NMDAreceptor is blocked by Mg²⁺ at resting membrane potentials. It requires coincident depolarization to remove this block and the depolarization is provided by co-activation of the AMPAreceptor by a preceding input. The other answers are correct, but are not involved in coincidence detection. The entrance of Ca²⁺ is important for short- and long-term changes in synaptic activity, but not in coincidence detection.

Why Does the NMDAR Provide a Good Molecular Mechanism for Coincidence