An Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)occurs in a Membrane Made More

Question

An inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)occurs in a membrane made more permeable to
A) potassium ions.
B) sodium ions.
C) calcium ions.
D) ATP.
E) all neurotransmitter molecules.

Accepted Answer

An IPSP occurs when the membrane potential in a neuron becomes more negative, which is caused by an influx of negatively charged ions or an efflux of positively charged ions. In the case of an IPSP, the influx of negatively charged ions (usually chloride or potassium ions) hyperpolarizes the membrane potential, making it more difficult for the neuron to generate an action potential. Potassium ions are typically the ions responsible for the increase in membrane permeability and the resulting hyperpolarization.