A Rod Exposed to Light Will

Question

A rod exposed to light will
A) fire action potentials that will increase its release of glutamate.
B) undergo a graded depolarization that will increase its release of glutamate.
C) undergo a graded hyperpolarization that will increase its release of glutamate.
D) undergo a graded depolarization that will decrease its release of glutamate.
E) undergo a graded hyperpolarization that will decrease its release of glutamate.

Accepted Answer

Rods, when exposed to light, undergo a graded hyperpolarization which leads to a decrease in the release of glutamate. This is because light activation of photoreceptor cells in the retina leads to a closure of sodium channels, causing hyperpolarization and reducing neurotransmitter release.